Reconnect 24-april-2013.pdf by ReConnect Magazine

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APRIL/MAY 2013 ISSUE 24

the green living magazine for Exeter, Plymouth and South Devon

FREE

African do attitude Readers show us how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done

please take one and pass it on

Electric bikes

The big outdoors

Moor power for guided tours

Seeing the wood AND the trees

Pull the other one

Bespoke handbuilt caravan

Ch'i up, boy!

Mindful meditation with horses ALSO INSIDE : Events diary l Community energy l Organic gardening l Festivals guide

Explore the new Reconnect archive www.reconnectonline.co.uk... local people local events local foodat local health local environment HOLISTIC MEDICINE

EXPERIENCED PRACTITIONERS

WIDE RANGE OF TREATMENTS

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

THE PRACTITIONERS: MO MORRISH RSHom Homoeopathic medicine www.thehomoeopathicpractice.co.uk

Exeter Natural Health Centre Holistic healthcare in the heart of the city Here at ENHC we oﬀer a wide range of complementary therapies provided by experienced and highly professional practitioners. The centre, which has been established for over 10 years, is also renowned for its excellence in training courses. Conveniently situated in the city centre, we have full reception cover and beautiful spacious treatment rooms for therapists to hire or, for bigger workshops, courses and classes, we have a well appointed large training room. Please call for more details.

ANNA PARIS Ac.M.MBAC Traditional acupuncture, Toyohari 5 element & Manaka styles. email: amparis1@btinternet.com LISA TATE Remedial, pregnancy and therapeutic massage, Myofascial release. www.lisatatetherapies.co.uk KATHERINE JENKINS BSc(Hons)Psych, MNCH(Acc), CNHC. Counselling Hypnotherapist, www.hypnosisexeter.com KATHERINE UKLEJA DO RCST Craniosacral therapy www.katherineukleja.co.uk LESLEY HARPER Nutritional Therapy www.lesleyharper.co.uk SUSAN QUAYLE Maternity reﬂexologist, fertility, ante natal, labour, post natal & baby, aromatherapy, massage Tel: 01626 862469 KARIN AND PATRICIA Pregnancy yoga & active birth www.birthwise.net SAMANTHA GODDARD Reiki Rascals & The Reiki Institute. Training and sessions in Reiki, Baby Massage, Baby Yoga & Stress Management. www.reikirascals.com LOUISA SHORNEY MBSCH Clinical Hypnotherapy & life coaching lshorney@gmail.com THE DEVON SCHOOL OF REFLEXOLOGY Level 3 Diploma Spring/Autumn courses 2013 www.devonreﬂexology.com HARRIET HOLLINGWORTH Sports Massage, Emotional Freedom Technique, Reiki Attunements. www.the-Hollingworth-touch.co.uk GEOFF GREEN Energy healing and Person-Centred Counselling www.innerknowing.co.uk SUE VAUGHAN DHH Kinesiology, Allergy Testing, Clinical Nutrition, Hypnotherapy, NLP. www.svaughan.co.uk

BRITISH SCHOOL OF HOMOEOPATHY Now interviewing for our unique practitioner training course Call 01392 422555 & visit www.britishschoolofhomoeopathy.co.uk

SCHOOL OF BODYWORK Professional Massage Training. All diploma courses APNT accredited.

Myofascial Release Diploma cutting edge, invaluable techniques

Skill enhancement seminars £25 Fantastic range of CPD days £95 www.schoolofbodywork.com info@schoolofbodywork.com 07711 656 011

01392 422555 Centre Manager: Ali Morrish

MARION BEAUREGARD Sophrology Practitioner 07929 056 135 info@vie-tality.com www.vie-tality.com RUTH BAKER BSC HONS PSYCHOLOGY, MA, Dip SW, Adv Dip Couns, Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Coach, Facilitator & Supervisor. www.ruthbaker-pschotherapy.co.uk HANNAH MAKIN MSc, MBPsS, NLP Prac. GQHP Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner & Psychologist. www.hmakin.com. DAVID R COTTERILL Dip Hyp Psych MSNLP, Integrative Therapist, Hypnotic Practitioner and NLP Life and Business Coach. 07841 437951. LIZZIE WOOLRYCH ABNLP ABH PTSD and Severe Trauma Specialist. Trainer and Master Practitioner of NLP, Time Line Therapy and Hypnosis. email: lizziewoolrych@hotmail. co.uk DEIRDRE RICHARDS Massage and Reiki Tel: 075400 47482

Exeter Natural Health Centre, Queens Walk, 83/84 Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3RP e: info@enhc.org w: www.enhc.org

Find out more about us on facebook and follow us on twitter @ExeterNaturalHC 2

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Pete Hardy 01392 346342 2 Withall’s Gardens Lympstone EX8 5JH

AD SALES ASSISTANT heather@reconnectonline.co.uk Heather Nicholson

How to advertise... THE DEADLINE The deadline for the June/July issue is Friday, May 3 - but get in touch now and let’s talk!

Cover images: Anti-clockwise from the main image: Hannah Standen’s Woodland Adventure Club; Gina Awad volunteering in Ghana; Dartmoor Electric Bicycles; the Roadwood Roulotte caravan; Dartmoor Pony Training Centre - meditating with horses

THE RATES 1/8-page - £93; 1/4-page - £148; 1/2-page £313; full page £522. THE DISCOUNTS Book three issues, get 10% off. Pay for a series of six, get one free. PAY MONTHLY Book six issues and pay monthly by direct debit (and you get 10% discount). So a 1/8-page is just £41.85 a month; a 1/4-page is £66.60 a month; a 1/2-page is £140.85 a month; and a full page is £234.90 a month. AD DESIGN Just call and we’ll help with words (free of charge) and design (for between £10-£50). CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS See page 44 for details. Call Pete or Martin NOW!

the leafcocoon...

The small print PUBLISHED BY Reconnect Publishing, 2 Withall’s Gardens, Lympstone, EX8 5JH PRINTED BY Kingfisher Print, Wills Rd, Totnes www.kingfisherprint.co.uk WEBSITE Visit our website at www. reconnectonline.co.uk. And visit our Facebook page at www.facebook. com/reconnectmagazine

The Leafcocoon is a soft coffin made of wood and wool, for a gentle and comforting return to nature. Regionally sourced materials, natural dyes, hand-made in Chagford

WE have another one of those accidental theme things going on again in this issue. We prefer not to be tied down to planning an issue around any one subject, but sometimes we have planning thrust upon us. This time the two readers working with schools in Africa contacted us within a week or so of each other. And to continue the international theme, we’ve also got a story about a special Embercombe course designed to bring together people at the sharp end of recent European troubles. All three stories revolve around local people too, but we also have a stack of other more conventionally local stories - including an update on that amazing self-build eco home project, electric bike tours, barn owls, handbuilt caravans, unique theatre that looks at issues of violence against women and children... and all manner of wholesome healing holistic happenings in our even bigger than usual Wellbeing section. Go check it out and enjoy!

Ghana - page 22

Mart

Custom caravan - page 18

ECO ETHOS Reconnect is written, designed, printed and distributed locally, using materials from sustainable sources. It is printed using vegetable-based inks and biodegradable fount solution. The paper is 75 per cent post-consumer waste and 25 per cent virgin fibre (from a sustainable source), chlorine-free and FSCaccredited (www.fsc-uk.org). All by-products of the production and printing processes are recycled. Please recycle this magazine by passing it on to someone else after you’ve read it

thinking outside the box

Welcome...

Devon County Show - page 27

Inside this issue

COMMERCIAL EDITOR ADVERTISEMENT SALES adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk

Magazine

Treats in store 6 News of two local wholefood shops Season’s eatings 9 Useful tips - including asparagus Weed all about it 11 Joa’s keeping you busy again Bikes with moor power 12 Guided tours on electric bicycles And the answer is... 14 Ask the energy experts Women only (and men) 17 Tarte Noire theatre’s new shows Pulling power 18 Handmade bespoke caravans Can we do it? 20 With Land Society’s help you can Owl’s well 21 The Barn Owl Trust Out of Africa 22 Two readers making a difference Dear diary 24 Events across Reconnectland Festivaaaaaaal! 26 Festivals and events you’ll LOVE! The WELLBEING pages 28 Holistic and wholesome Classified information 40 Welcome to the small ads Living on less 42 Foster makes connections

Brought to you by... EDITOR editor@reconnectonline.co.uk Martin Foster 01803 868455 45 Punchards Down, Follaton Totnes TQ9 5FD

www.facebook.com/Reconnect

Dartmoor Pony Training Centre - page 28

...and the latest news at

COPYRIGHT © Reconnect Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of Reconnect can be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. But do ask – if you’re genuinely spreading the word, we’ll try to help. The publishers, editor and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services advertised or referred to in this issue, or any errors, omissions, mis-statements or mistakes in any advertisements or references

WEEKEND STUDIO SPACE HIRE

AVAILABLE HERE • • •

Town Centre Location Railway Station Nearby 3 Studios Available

Suitable For Studio Based Workshops, Trainings & Talks Station Road Totnes TQ9 5HW 01803 866 461

info@bellacouche.com

01647 432155

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www.chapelhousestudios.com Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Have you got news for us? Join Hands THE Shop Local gift voucher scheme in Exmouth has been joined by another business. Florist Daff-o-Dil’s in Church Street has joined with Hands-on Health to offer a hand-tied bouquet plus a voucher for a half-hour neck and shoulder massage at a special price. The scheme, started by Hands-on Health, already has three local businesses working together - Deli on the Strand, Stuart Line Cruises and Exmouth Cycles - offering special packages for 2013.

Top route A DUTCH bike and hiking show has awarded the title Cycle Route of 2013 to La Vélodyssée, which runs from Ilfracombe to Plymouth and down to the border with Spain. The jury of the Fiets en Wandelbeurs looked at criteria such as the impressive length and safety of the route, which is 80 per cent traffic-free. Visit www. velodyssey.com.

Introducing... the Hillyfield Hens!

Singing for the brain

THERE’S been much excitement in the Reconnect office over the past few weeks as editor Foster and wife Jenny prepare to move their hens to pastures anew. By the time you read this, the little feathered lovelies will be settling into their new home at The HIllyfield, a woodland farm on the edge of Dartmoor. For the Hillyfield Hens, as they will be known, it’s the perfect environment: sheltered pens in among the trees; Organic food (all the land is registered Organic so they’ll get Organic feed too); and natural spring water (from a tested supply right next to the chicken area). “It’s just such a beautiful place,” said Martin. “We’ll be in heaven just visiting every day but the hens get to live there and enjoy it all the time.” And there are plans to expand the operation in the future. “We’ll get the current layers and breeding birds settled in

SINGING for the Brain is a fun social activity for people with memory problems or in early to moderate stages of dementia and their carers. Just drop in at the Follaton Community Centre in Whitely Ave, Totnes, 2-4pm, on the first and third Friday of each month. Call 01803 669216.

Craft fair

first,” said Martin, “and then we’ll think about expanding the numbers and introducing new varieties.” Hillyfield’s Doug King-Smith

The Hillyfield, a woodland farm on Dartmoor, will now also be home to the Hillyfield Hens.

THE Royal Horticultural Society garden Rosemoor, in North Devon, will host a three-day craft fair from May 4-6, with ceramics, jewellery, silk cushions, handbags and glasswork.

has already suggested digging a pond for ducks and possibly keeping geese too. “And there are other plans too,” said Martin. “Watch this space!” To find out more about The Hillyfield, and how you can volunteer to help out there, visit www.thehillyfield.co.uk - and look out for a new Hillyfield Hens section soon!

DANCE and listen to music from Eastern Europe and the Balkans on Saturday, April 20 at Rattery village hall: shared supper 6-7pm, traditional circle dances with Salamander from 7-9.30pm and guest musicians from Krasa from 9.30pm until late. Call 01803 840761.

Eastern beat

Traditional view on funerals

Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life Career coaching, courses and events to set you free For details please ring 01392 811168 / 07977 272174 or visit www.happymondays.org.uk

WE’VE talked before in Reconnect about the importance of planning the right funeral for yourself or a loved one; and, given Reconnect’s green stance, we’ve tended to look mainly at more contemporary options. But the most important thing is that the event perfectly reflects the person; that it is appropriate - and for some, that means something more traditional. Green Fuse, funeral directors based in Totnes and now also at their new Riverstone premises near Buckfastleigh, are best known to Reconnect readers for their contemporary funerals - with a green approach where desired. But they also arrange a great many traditional funerals. Green Fuse’s Simon Smith said: “A traditional funeral can still have

LGBT group moves to bigger venue IDENTICAL twins Mat and Jon Price are moving their monthly group for local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people to a bigger venue in Totnes. The Totnes twins, who run the Proud2Be Project, say the monthly social drop-in night will now be held 6.30-9.30pm at The Terrace coffee shop. Entry is £2 and food and

an individual element, or small touches, that make it unmistakably for that one person - a particular reading, loved flowers, a beautiful ceremony sheet, or an artefact from the past may be all it takes to make each funeral something to cherish.” Simon said Green Fuse offers a range of traditional hearses to choose from, “including a brand new Jaguar and a beautiful classic Mercedes.” “It’s the attention to detail that makes the difference,” he added, “like our policy of women being laid out and dressed by women and the fact that Green Fuse will only undertake one funeral in a day, so you never feel you are being rushed through.” Visit www.greenfuse.co.uk or call 01803 840779.

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drinks are available “at reasonable rates”. Over the next few months, the group will meet on April 17, May 22, June 19, July 24 and August 21. To find out more about Proud2Be and the social group, visitproud2beproject.org/ or email info@proud2beproject.org. l Twins plan new Gay Pride festival - see page 27.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

...email details to us now at

Woodland fun for kids aged 5-12

Lose the TV in the woods Park facelift STRUGGLING to find childcare and party ideas to stimulate their senses and draw them away from TV and computers? Don’t worry - The Woodland Adventure Club is back! After a very successful season last year the ‘holiday club with a twist’ is reopening its twig doors and getting the fire going to welcome your little angels to their magical camp at Haldon Forest Park. With den building, animal tracking, fire lighting, play, woodwork and storytelling on the agenda, passionate local environmental educators Hannah, Louise and John promise to enthrall visitors of all ages, sharing their love and knowledge of the natural environment. The club runs throughout most school holidays and birthday parties run through the year. Children aged 5-12 years can attend for one or more days or book for a whole week. Visit www.atouchofthewild.co.uk.

COCKINGTON Court Country Park in Torquay is getting a major facelift after winning a Lottery grant. An initial grant of £47,800 has been matched by Torbay Council and will allow planning and consultation work to be carried out before the main application is made in 2014 for a further £558,000. Visit www.countryside-trust. org.uk. l Cockington Court Ceramics Festival - see page 27.

Credit union

Yellow bouy entangled by Jenni Pentecost, part of the Vibrant Images, Vibrant Artists exhibition at Harbour House in Kingsbridge

Top work in the House THOSE industrious folk at Harbour House in Kingsbridge have again come up with some excellent work to display in their gallery. Running until April 17 is Renewal, an open exhibition featuring local artists’ work exploring ideas of renewal and regeneration. From April 20-28 the space is taken over by Elise Carr’s photographs in Chromotography. Then it’s the hugely prolific Rosie Burns from April 30-May 12, followed by the work of Pamela Parrotte and Rosemary Bonney from May 14-19. Finally, Vibrant Images, Vibrant Artists features the work of Cherry Lyons, Wendy Chudley and Jenni Pentecost from May 21 until June 2. Find out more at www.harbourhouse.org.uk, or call 01548 854708.

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THE Plough and Share credit union has new service points at Paignton, Dartmouth, Crediton and Torquay. Find out more at www. ploughandshare. co.uk (click on ‘service points’), email info@ ploughandshare. co.uk or call 01837 658123.

editor@reconnectonli

ne.co.uk

green fuse funeral directors green fuse supports you to create a moving and memorable funeral reflecting the life & values of the person who has died. Joint Funeral Director of the Year 2012 Good Funeral Guide We have just opened our new Bereavement Centre where you can hold funeral ceremonies, vigils and wakes, with the most modern facilities to look after your loved person by the river at Buckfastleigh Visit our funeral centre at 7 High Street, Totnes or visit our highly informative website www.greenfuse.co.uk To find out all about funerals and bereavement Call us on 01803 840779 (24 hour service).

funerals with heart and soul The Contemporar y College of Homeopathy

Homeopathy

Getting others better

New home THE Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural World (CCANW) has moved from Haldon Forest Park to its new home at the Innovation Centre on the University of Exeter campus. Visit www.ccanw.co.uk.

PL:21 lives THE Ivybridge Transition group PL:21 was saved when enough people stepped forward to form a new committee. Find out more at pl21.weebly. com.

•Free open days •A four year part-time practitioner training Weekend introductory courses • The four year course is ideal for those A one year foundation course • either looking for a vocation, or those

in homeopathic medicine •A free clinic for patients (either GP referred or independent bookings)

considering changing their existing one. The course runs ten weekends a year with directed home study

Courses run at Engineers House, Clifton, Bristol For more information please phone Kate on 01275 877083 or visit www.conhom.com The College is accredited by the Society of Homeopaths and all major homeopathic organisations

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Local, seasonal and organic...

Local food

OUR latest round-up of local food news includes a new wholefood store, the latest from three very different cafes, a thriving community store celebrating its second anniversary and beekeeping courses. Send your news to editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

HOME MADE PICKLES & CHUTNEYS Produced in St. Marychurch, Torquay using top quality ingredients with no artificial additives of any kind. 5 Babbacombe Road, St Marychurch, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3SB Tel: 07751 156325 inapickle1@hotmail.co.uk

Now online at www.inapickle-torquay.co.uk

SackS wholefoods

The new Oats wholefood store in Brixham

Shopper Sally opens own shop BRIXHAM resident Sally Fisher is one of those people who gets things done. The town is currently going through a process of regeneration, with a number of new shops opening, but there was nowhere selling the sort of food and lifestyle products Sally wanted to buy. So her first step was to approach the owner of a wholefood shop in a neighbouring town to ask if they would open one in Brixham – but when they said no, she and husband Alan Ford decided they would open their own. Just two months later Oats opened its doors for the first time. “Many of the products we stock were not available in Brixham and we believed the community deserved better choice,” said Sally. “We have been rewarded with a very positive reception from our customers.” Oats stocks a wide range of glutenfree products, all the usual health foods and some extras like Beauty

Without Cruelty cosmetics, locally made toiletries, herbal remedies and household products for which they offer a refill service. Said Sally: “We also stock a wide variety of herbs and spices, mostly organic, which we weigh out to order in individually labelled jars, allowing easy refilling and saving money and packaging.” Sally and Alan are now working towards opening a small cafe at the back of the shop and arranging talks, demos and promotions from local people “who can offer knowledge, skills and services that contribute to a healthy and more sustainable way of living.” Added Sally: “I am enjoying my new role and love being able to walk to work and getting to know so many interesting, knowledgeable and friendly people in this town.” Visit Oats in Bolton Street, Brixham, or call Sally on 01803 858542.

Home-made food using local ingredients at The Brunch Cafe

Brunching for a good cause • Organic fruit and vegetables • Large range of herbs and spices • Green Lane herbal tinctures

• Bulk and case discounts • Special orders catered for • Established in Totnes 35 years

SackS SackS Too

80 High Street Totnes TQ9 5SN 01803 863263 6

The Plains Shopping Centre Totnes TQ9 5DR shop@sackswholefoods.co.uk

VOLUNTEER-run lunchtime events in Totnes are promoting local produce and raising funds for local groups and charities. The Brunch Cafes are held in the Methodist Hall, 10am-2pm, on the last Saturday of alternate months. “Over 80% of the food is sourced within 30 miles of Totnes,” says organiser Holly Tiffen, “and everything is home-made by the team of volunteers, with dishes including things like Eggs Florentine, home-made baked beans and wild garlic scrambled

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egg. They are really great events with real community spirit and they attract all ages. “And the whole event is accompanied by local musicians.” The next Brunch Café is May 25, when proceeds will go to the Network of Wellbeing. Then on July 27 for Transition Homes and September 28 for the Child Assault Prevention Project. The recipient for the November 30 café is yet to be decided. Email Holly at hollytiffen@yahoo. co.uk.

... email us your local food stories at

editor@reconnectonli

ne.co.uk

Store so loved for local lines THE recent scandals over food ingredients have done nothing but good for those promoting local produce and food provenance. Apart from being a shining example of how communities can come together for the good of all, the Real Food Store in Exeter is also a showcase for local produce. April 4 is the second Iris Harding with a basket of fresh produce from birthday of the store the store. in Paris Street and all those hard working which makes it even more pleasing volunteers who brought the project that business has continued to grow to fruition should feel very proud of slowly but surely,” he said. “People their achievements. really want to know nowadays With 320 shareholders, the store is where their food is coming from the UK’s largest social enterprise of and we’re able to identify the its kind, which has proved there’s a source of every product in the store strong demand for local food and – especially as we know in person drink and that demand looks likely most of the people who actually to grow. grow or make it!” Over 70 per cent of their 2000 In-store baker Emma Parkin, of stock lines come from within Devon Emma’s Bread, said: “There’s no and are fully traceable. doubt that the last two years have Store manager Ian Taylor said: been tremendously exciting as well “We are incredibly proud of our as hard work but public support achievements in just two years has been amazing. With Spring and most importantly of being a and Easter coming up we’ve just showcase for a growing number of started making our hot cross buns, local food producers.” real proper ones, so we’re hoping people will be even more tempted David Mezzetti, one of five voluntary to drop in.” directors of the store, was keen to point out how the Real Food model The Real Food Store, Bakery and has set a high standard for others Café is at 11-13 Paris Street, to follow. Exeter EX1 2JB and is open “It’s been a tough time for everyone Monday to Saturday. Visit: www. financially over the last few years, realfoodstoreexeter.co.uk.

One World wins another award AFTER celebrating their double win in the local Torbay in Bloom competition, the dynamic duo at Torquay’s One World Cafe & Bistro have been attending another awards ceremony. The Cafe & Bistro in the heart of Abbey Gardens is very clear about its ethos and values and owners Lynn and Laurence are keen to promote Fairtrade products and source as much as possible from local suppliers. Levi Roots presents Now the Cafe has Lynn and Laurence earned it’s place with their award and won a bronze award in the South West by the difference Fairtrade makes to Fairtrade Business Awards for its work communities. in promoting Fairtrade produce. The cafe has reopened for the The two were presented with season and there are plans to have their award in Bristol recently by live music events each week. Keep a entrepreneur and chef Levi Roots. watch on their Facebook page and Levi has recently visited Fairtrade website. cocoa farmers in Ghana and told Visit www.oneworldcafe.org.uk. the audience how inspired he was

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Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Local food

Local, seasonal and organic... Pickle online

Develop a taste for the unusual THERE are cafes and there are cafes – and the Owl in the Oak Café should definitely be filed under ‘extraordinary’. First the setting – in the historic and lovely Bowden House, which is itself set in the beautiful countryside surrounding Totnes. The food and drinks are special too, with a range of amazing teas and coffees plus wonderful homemade cakes and light lunches. And then there are the events, regulars and special one-offs. The café is open all Sunday morning and afternoon, and from 12 noon they hold

a boardgames afternoon – throw a six, take a bite of cake, do not pass go… Every Friday morning, 10.30am-12 noon, the Owl in the Oak plays host to Little Larks Baby Singing for adults and their young ‘uns – and then you can stay on for lunch. And on the second Friday of the month there’s a craft club 7-9pm. Then on April 7, the lovely people from Social Fabric in Totnes will run a crochet workshop there; on April 14 there’s a gig featuring The Diamond Family Archive and Special Guests; and on

April 27 there’s a film and dinner night featuring seven short films and a talk about the various environments around Goa by the bird photographer Amano Samarpan. Tickets are £15 including two courses from 07919 178701. For more on that and others events, email Saj at owlintheoakcafe@gmail.com.

SOUTH Devon pickle champion Hazel Glaves no longer has to rely on customers dropping by her shop in St Marychurch to scan the many different lines - they can now go onto her website www. inapickle-torquay.co.uk and browse the long list of mouthwatering concoctions. Her comprehensive list is there with all the prices. Just call Hazel on 07751 156 325 and make your order.

Course of action for beelievers

AroundAsh Feb2012

3/2/12

03:05

Page 1

IF you were tempted by our story in the Feb/Mar issue about natural beekeeping at Embercombe, you’ll want to know about three weekend courses there in April, May and June. Run by Embercombe’s beekeepers, Tim Hall and Jessie Watson Brown, they run from April 26-28, May 1719 and May 31-June 1. They cost £175, including food and camping. “Come and stay at Embercombe and meet the bees,” says Tim. “This course should give you the confidence to start your own bee hive.”

To book or find out more, call 01647 252983 or email clare@ embercombe.co.uk.

Honest Local Food at a Fair Price Now well established, Ashburton’s premiere, undercover, local produce market goes from strength to strength ... an ‘Aladdin’s cave’ of goodies, our product range is expanding all the time. Come along and meet the people who rear it, cook it and sell it. Tuckers Yard, Chuley Road, Ashburton, TQ13 7DG

Here for you Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm

P R O B A B LY T H E B E S T P R O D U C E M A R K E T I N D E V O N ! 8

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edit or@reco nnec tonline.co.uk local people local events local food local health local environment

Seasonal eating UNLESS your diet is particularly ‘clean’ already, you can feel the difference by having just one ‘lighter’ meal a day. Our expert CAROL LEE has interesting tips - including some to dip in a runny boiled egg... SPRING has sprung and doesn’t it feel great? Now is the time to Springclean and clear the cobwebs away - and not just from those household corners. According to traditional Chinese medicine now is the time to make fresh decisions and formulate new plans; to sweep away the old and ‘give birth’ to those new inspirations and insights we have been brewing during our quiet winter musings. Spring is the traditional time to ‘do’ a cleanse. A lot of people think this means fasting and drinking lots of green juices and of course it can be for those who have the time, commitment and a relatively clean diet to start with. But what most people don’t realise is that the body is truly accommodating and if you give it even a small break from depleting, nutritionally devoid food, you will reap the rewards in terms of the energy you will gain. Here are some quick pointers to give yourself a simple Spring clean - start with just one ‘lighter’ meal a day and see how you feel. Decrease your intake of tea, coffee, soft drinks, meat, wheat and dairy products and replace with more water and herbal teas, rice, beans and pulses and millet and barley options. Enjoy lots of the new greens. Spring cabbage, kale, spinach and lettuce are all in season and anything green is particularly cleansing. Include some raw greens everyday - perhaps add a green salad to your main meal. Enjoy some liquid sunshine by having a daily juice or smoothie - again the

Big dipper... greener and more vegetable based the better. In the search for a suitable Spring recipe I came across the classic ‘asparagus spears and dippy eggs’. Those lovely green spears seem to express the creative, new, dynamic Spring energy perfectly and eggs represent the Spring festivals of Easter and Beltane and symbolise new life and fresh beginnings. It was only when I had my own hens I discovered egg production is seasonal and depends on the number of daylight hours. It is therefore a real sign of the approaching Spring when the ‘girls’ come back into ‘lay’ as daylight hours increase. Eggs are delicious and can be wonderfully nutritious. Hens that are free to wander and feed on greenery produce eggs that are naturally rich in the omega 3 healthy fat. And that greenery also gives the yoke its natural vivid orange colour - enjoy!

Asparagus spears and ‘dippy eggs’

Serves 2 (courtesy of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall) Ingredients: two large eggs at room temperature; a dozen slim stems of asparagus, any woody ends trimmed, a knob of unsalted butter, a few drops of cider vinegar, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Directions: Bring a pan of water to the boil. Carefully lower in the eggs, then simmer them for exactly four minutes. Steam the asparagus over the top of the boiling eggs, or cook in a separate pan in boiling water for a couple of minutes. The asparagus should be tender but not soft and floppy. Transfer the eggs to egg cups. Cut the top off each egg and take them to the table with the asparagus. Drop a nut of butter, a few drops of cider vinegar and some salt and pepper into the hot yolk (alternatively, just sprinkle some salt and pepper on the plate), stir with a bit of asparagus, dip and eat. Reconnect’s Seasonal Eating is written by Carol Lee, who runs workshops and courses in nutrition, health and wellbeing. Call her on 01363 82794 or visit www. naturalfoodschool.co.uk. You can now join her on Facebook for seasonal tips, recipes and nutritional information www.facebook.com/naturalfoodschool

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New singing group for those touched by cancer CANCER patients and their families and carers are invited to join a singing group led by local choirister Helen Yeomans.

Duo’s show ARTISTS Emma Cook and Alison Veazey both work at the Harbour House arts centre in Kingsbridge and are holding an exhibition of their printmaking and mixed media work – at The Flavel in Dartmouth from April 30-May 12. Visit www. theflavel.org.uk.

For health GARDENING for Health, now in its third year, continues to promote the benefits of… well, gardening for health. The Lamb Garden in Totnes is the hub of the project and everyone is welcome to their Monday sessions. Find out more at www. gardeningforhealth. org.uk.

South Devon Can-Sing was initiated by a local cancer patient, inspired by the Channel 4 programme Sing For your life. The programme followed the progress of a group of cancer patients as they grew into a choir. As they sang, their health was monitored by doctors from the Tenovus charity, who found there were measurable health benefits. Said Helen: “Singing together can increase wellbeing, reduce isolation and is enjoyable - we intend to have a lot of fun!’’ Each fortnight new people arrive,

some travelling from Exeter to participate - and expert teacher Helen miraculously entices threepart harmonies from each newly formed group! The singing group has the endorsement of Dr Grant, senior partner at Leatside surgery, Totnes. Because a cancer diagnosis and treatment can reduce income, donations to support outgoings are voluntary. Refreshments are provided thanks to the generosity of Riverford Farm Shop. So if you’ve been touched by cancer and would like to sing, call Helen on 01803 862028 and leave your details - or just turn up at Sharpham House, in the South wing, on April 18 or May 2, 16 and 30.

Taster sessions at Steiner THE number of parents applying for school places at the new Steiner Academy in Exeter is growing by the day. The academy will have a phased opening in September 2013 for 126 children, covering Reception and years 1,2,3 and 7. The current plan is to open on a temporary site in Exwick while the permanent site is made ready. There are two drop-in outreach events planned in April and May. These will include taster lessons for Year 7 (Class 6) children and their parents with the academy’s Principal Designate, Alan Swindell. These lessons are designed to give prospective parents an insight into the style of teaching their children will receive. All are welcome. The first takes place on Saturday, April 20 between 10am and 4pm in the Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street. The second is during the Devon County Show on May 16, 17 and 18 at Westpoint, Clyst St Mary. Admissions to the school open on April 1. Visit www.steineracademyexeter.org.uk for more information and an application form.

Jewellery makers put together a story THE curator of the current jewellery exhibition at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen hopes viewers will see the exhibits not just as something decorative to indicate wealth but as a “wearable art form with its own stories, histories and metaphors.” The exhibition, Transplantation – a Sense of Place and Culture, includes work from makers in the UK and Australia, some of it combining traditional materials like enamel,

copper and silver with objects like pennies, a reworked biscuit tin and children’s thimbles. Curator Norman Cherry said: “Each piece tells us a story about cultural, familial and artistic transplantation of one sort or another.” The exhibition runs until April 21 at the Guild’s centre in Bovey Tracey. Find out more at www.crafts.org.uk or call 01626 832223.

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... email us your news at editor@reconnectonline.co.uk Play tells the Badger group to beat cull BADGER vaccinating group has been formed in story of town ASouth Devon in a bid to stop a cull in the area. A PLAY about Totnes, commissioned by a Dartington theatre group and performed by local actors, will be performed in the town for the first time in April. Love & Fire - A Totnes Play was commissioned by The Dartington Playgoers from local playwright Nick Stimson after a series of community drama workshops led by Nick and director Richard Clark. The play was inspired by Totnes, its stories and characters and tells the story of three generations of two Totnes families - the Millmans and the Averys - between the years 1944 and 2013. Bertha Winchester, Totnes’s famous lady grave-digger at Follaton Cemetery, transports the audience across the generations. The play highlights the effects on the different generations of the two families of the Second World War, the closure of the Harris’s Bacon Factory in the early 1990s, and the devastating East Gate fire. The play boasts 25 actors, has live music from a three-piece band and costumes from the three periods spanned by the play. Performances are in the Ariel Centre at KEVICC, April 10-13 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7 (£5 conc) from Ariel Centre on 01803 869200 or the Totnes Information Centre on 01803 863168. Visit www.playgoers. co.uk.

The Totnes Badger Vaccination Action Campaign’s aim is to get enough land owners vaccinating so there is not a large enough area in which to set up the cull. Ama Menec, who formed TBVAC, said she wants to hear from people with badger handling experience to train landowners to vaccinate; landowners who want badgers vaccinated; networkers to approach landowners; anyone who can help to spread the word (putting up posters, etc); and someone who could audit the accounts. Find them at www.facebook.com/groups/ 247236645402840 or call 07773 902702.

Organic gardening LONGER evenings are of course purpose made for gardening and once you’ve got that weeding done, there’s some serious planting to get on with... HURRAY! The evenings are at last getting longer - and that means more time to spend on the veggie beds. So what should we be getting on with? Well, we really should start with… yes, weeding! The little blighters just don’t stop growing and of course it’s much easier to clear them when they are small. Annual weeds (plants that only grow for one season reproducing by flowering and then going to seed) are much easier to deal with. Take a sharp hoe and slice through the stems - the weeds can then be either left on the surface of the soil to wilt and rot down or raked off and placed in the compost bin. Perennial weeds (such as docks, dandelions, couch grass and bindweed) will need to be dug out thoroughly. Once all the weeding is out the way (for now), it’s time to do some serious planting. All the tender things such as sweetcorn, runner beans, French beans, outdoor tomatoes, courgettes and squashes can be sown or planted out towards the end of May when we will be clear of frosts. They may need a little bit of hardening off, depending on what conditions they have been grown in. April and May are ideal months to sow root vegetables and you just have to give carrots a go. If you’ve not tasted carrots that have just been pulled straight from the ground then you really are missing out! Choose an area of the garden that isn’t too stony and rake it thoroughly.

Site weeding...

Friends give vegan support THE success of last year’s Vegan Pledge convinced members of the Exeter Friends of Animals to run the event again and potential converts began their new diet at the beginning of March. Some were already vegetarian and just needed extra support and encouragement to finally take the plunge, while for others an animal-free diet was a completely new experience. The aim of the pledge is to provide free help and guidance to anyone thinking of trying an animalfree diet for whatever reason - whether to reduce animal suffering, improve their health or reduce their carbon footprint. Or all three. Sharon Howe, one of EFFA’s co-ordinators, said feedback from participants had been overwhelmingly positive, and spin-off social events, including a meal at Exeter’s veggie restaurant Herbies, had sparked many new friendships. She added: “The ‘vegan buddy’ scheme and the opportunity to share tips and information with likeminded people - where to shop and eat out, how to manage when you’re the only vegan in the family and so on - have proved an invaluable support.” The first workshops took place at the beginning of March and the final one is on Saturday, April 13 at the St Sidwell’s Centre, Exeter. To find out more call Kim on 07810 898440 or see the website www.effa-uk.org for more details.

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Carrot seed is very small and it is very easy to over-sow. To help spread the seed, mix them with very dry horticultural sand and sow into trenches 1-2cm deep and 15cm apart. When the seedlings start to appear, and are large enough to handle, you can thin them out to about 7-9cm apart. To protect your carrot crop from the carrot root fly, create a barrier over or around the crop. Probably the easiest is to cover them with horticultural fleece. Now is also your last chance to sow parsnips (never use old seed as it doesn’t last from one year to the next), but this time make a trench 1-2cm deep and place three seeds every 15cm. Once again wait until the seedlings are big enough to handle and pull out the two weaker ones leaving just one to grow to maturity. And don’t allow the soil to completely dry out.

Planting and picking APRIL and May are great months for planting asparagus. Chose one-year-old crowns (two and three-year-old crowns don’t seem to take off quite so well) and always make sure they are showing some signs of life before purchasing. Choose a sunny, sheltered position, prepare your ground thoroughly, making sure you have removed all perennial weeds and their roots, and add a liberal amount of well rotted manure or garden compost. Dig a trench 30cm wide and 15-20cm deep and create a slight mound in the bottom. Place the crowns with their roots spread out 25-30cm apart and back fill the trench with fine soil. Don’t allow the bed to dry out or become over-grown with weeds. For the next two years (growing asparagus requires patience and space) allow the spears to become tall ferns, only cutting them down when they start to go yellow in the Autumn. Leave about 5cm stumps. Add an organic fertiliser every early Spring before the spears appear. Now is also the time to start cutting the spears. Cut just below the surface when they are about 10cm high. Stop harvesting by mid June at the latest and allow the ferns to grow - so the plants can build up strength for next year. Reconnect’s Organic Gardening column is written by Joa and Charlie Grower of Growers Organics. Meet them in person at Totnes market on Fridays and Saturdays. Visit www.growersorganics.com, or call 01752 881180.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk 11

Local energy

to the local people... local people local events local foodPower local health environment A BUMPER Local Energy section this time with everything from electric bikes and the latest on RHI (don’t get excited) to air source heat pumps and a new community energy group - oh, and the very first of a new Q&A feature. So if you have a question for the experts (don’t worry, it’s not us!), get in touch...

Moor power for touring by bike IF you’ve spent much time on Dartmoor you’ll know not many people explore the area on pushbikes – and if you’re also familiar with some of the hills you encounter there, that might not come as much of a surprise. A shame, though, because it is the perfect way to see the moors because it puts you right there in the landscape – in touch with the elements but covering more ground, more quickly, than walking. Dartmoor Electric Bicycles, a new company that provides a range of guided tours of Dartmoor on top-of-the-range electric bikes, believe they have the answer. It’s a joint project run by Highdart, a business offering Dartmoor breaks in a cottage and yurt, and Dartmoor Walks This Way, an Ashbuton-based guided walks operation. The company’s Rebecca Giraud said: “Our Swiss Flyer top-of-the-range bikes make cycling accessible and enjoyable whatever your level of experience. “The electric motor is like having an extra pair of legs, providing much needed assistance on the hilly terrain - and our plush saddles ensure a comfortable ride all day long.” They run half and full day circular guided tours from a choice of four locations: Hannaford, Postbridge, Haytor information centre and the Prince Hall Hotel.

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Helmets are provided, participants must be over 14 and the half-day (three hours) costs £35pp and the full day (six hours) is £60pp. As well as the organised tours, the company can also offer bespoke trips and ‘special occasion’ tours (birthdays, etc). Visit www.highdart.co.uk or call 01364 631292 or 07914 184220.

THE renewable energy industry appears to be holding its breath awaiting news on tariffs the government is intending to pay home owners as an incentive to install a renewable heating system. The payments, known as the RHI or Renewable Heat Incentive, are expected to start this coming Summer - but the government is still not prepared to be more specific than that. In the meantime, industry and business has been busy taking advantage of the non-domestic tariffs which were started in November 2011 with the South West leading the field. Many homeowners, particularly in the South West, have also been applying for grants towards renewable heating installations The region is way ahead of any other for applications and installations for business premises with the most popular system being small solid biomass boilers up to 200kW. The various technologies supported by the scheme include biomass, heat pumps, solar thermal, biogas and bio-methane. Well over half of the applications received from businesses were for small solid biomass boilers followed by medium biomass boilers and then small solar thermal systems. Of the 881 applications the

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government received in the three months to November last year, over a quarter were from the South West. At the same time as the nondomestic tariffs were announced the government also launched the Renewable Heat Premium Payments scheme whereby home owners who wanted to install renewable energy systems could apply for vouchers to be redeemed against their installation costs. Statistics released by the government showed that in the three months to November last year two thirds of the vouchers were redeemed against solar thermal systems and Air Source Heat Pumps unlike the commercial RHI system which favoured bio mass. Again the South West came out top with 1,097 installations, representing 21%, with the South East and London coming second with 795 systems - 15%. The quarterly report says that the greatest contributor to capacity (the amount of heat generated) comes from air source heat pumps which account for 44% of the total. In total 12,483 vouchers have been issued to home owners since the scheme began of which 7,420 have been redeemed. The vouchers have an expiry date and can only be redeemed against equipment that is MCS accredited.

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editor@reconnectonli ... send renewable energy news tolocal ne.co.uk local people local events local food health local environment

Solar array cuts energy bills at vets’ laboratory THE Environment Agency’s electricity-hungry veterinary laboratory near Starcross will dramatically cut its consumption thanks to a new 112-panel PV system. Exeter-based contractor Ekland Solar were chosen to design and install the system and were praised for their “quality and professionalism”. Said an Environment Agency spokesperson: “We are continually looking at ways of reducing energy use from our activities. “A laboratory uses many high specification instruments, which consume huge amounts of electricity, so we have installed energy saving devices such as motion sensors for our lighting and are now pleased to take these initiatives further with the solar PV panels to again reduce our energy consumption.” The installation was spread across five roof areas, including both flat and pitched roofs. It used 112 solar panels and three inverters, and was completed in five days. Ekland Solar’s Alex Farnell said: “The system will produce

30,000kWh of electricity per year - enough to power around nine typical households for a year. “It will reduce the lab’s annual carbon emissions by 14.5 tonnes of CO2 - roughly equivalent to driving a car around the world twice.” A large public display in the reception area of the lab allows visitors to see what the system has produced and the CO2 offset so far.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “We are very happy with the work and were impressed by Ekland Solar’s quality and professionalism during the installation. “We will now save taxpayers money on reduced electricity bills and also reduce our carbon footprint.” Visit www.ekland.co.uk or call 0845 463 0057.

Survey cuts cost of new system AN established South Devon renewable energy company has recently opened a new consultation office in Totnes. “It’s adjacent to the Waterside Bistro, in a perfect position for us to display our products and answer questions,” explained Alex Lyons of Cooks Energy, speaking at their Newton Abbot head office. “But the real work is done at our free initial assessment on site, at the prospective customer’s home or business premises. “We are always happy to answer any questions about any aspect of renewable energy but we don’t have a team of pushy sales people – we’re engineers.” Cooks Plumbing and Heating is a family business, first established in the Sixties. Over the past 10 years or so, their work in renewables has grown until today it represents around 95% of their trade right across the Westcountry – hence their rebranding as Cooks Energy. “We offer a complete energy service,” said Alex. “After conducting an energy survey, we advise clients on efficiency measures like insulation – if we can reduce heat loss cost-effectively, we can often downsize the size of the boiler, saving more money.” Cooks Energy can then advise on and supply a range of suitable

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Cooks Energy’s Alex Lyons energy systems, including bio mass, heat pumps, solar thermal and solar PV. “We like to put together a number of options,” said Alex. “Although we do a large number of domestic projects, the majority of our business is for commercial premises and we can also advise on tax benefits, and discuss options for “no capital cost” solutions. “We are also proud that the wide range of qualifications we hold in renewable and traditional technologies is unique locally - and also nationally. “ To find out more, call Cooks Energy on 01803 862718, email info@ cooksenergy.co.uk, visit www. cooksenergy.co.uk - or call in at their new Totnes office on The Plains.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Revisit all the Reconnect back issues and read our online diary...

Local energy Q&A Windfarm project looks Q A

What is meant by The Green Deal initiative?

Q A

What is a heat pump?

THE government introduced A heat pump is a machine “The Green Deal” with the which extracts energy Energy Act 2011 but it from the ground or the air only came into force in January of at relatively low temperatures and this year. The intention is to reduce converts it into high temperatures carbon emissions in a cost-effective required for heating domestic hot way by revolutionising the energy water and central efficiency of British heating systems. properties. The biggest The operation is barrier to making similar to that of a changes to your home refrigerator, which is cost. The Green extracts heat from Deal puts in place a food in the fridge financial mechanismn and expels it through which eliminates the a small radiator need for home owners normally mounted on to pay up front for the back. energy efficiency A heat pump is a measures and instead much more powerful provides reassurances device and small that the cost of the domestic pumps can measures should be deliver up to about covered by savings SWEC director Patrick on the energy bill. The McNevin answers your 12kW of heat, which is easily enough to Green Deal will enable energy questions heat a good size many households and businesses to improve energy modern house. efficiency so that less energy Unlike conventional heating is consumed and less money is appliances, which have wasted. efficiencies of 70 - 90%, a heat How it works: 1. Approach an pump will generally operate at installer with Green Deal Provider 300 - 400% efficiency. status. 2. A Green Deal Assessor This is known as a Coefficient of will then survey your home. 3. A Performance or COP of 3 – 4, report on your home’s performance which means that for every 1kW and potential improvements is of energy supplied to the heat issued. 4. The expected energy pump, it can deliver around 4kW savings must outweigh the cost of useful heat energy. of any improvements for the loan Heat pumps work most to be given. 5. Once the work efficiently when producing lower is complete, you should see the temperatures of heat and so are difference in your energy bills. 6. ideal for use with under-floor Green Deal finance will stay with heating systems. the property until paid. Did you know? A quarter of the UK’s Because of their efficiency, heat pumps are generally more cost carbon emissions comes from the effective to run than conventional energy used in homes and a similar amount comes from our businesses, electric, oil or LPG heating industry and workplaces. systems. IF you have a question for the experts at the

ASK THE EXPERTS South West Energy Centre, email it (with your

name and phone number) to Patrick.mcnevin@southdevon.ac.uk. They will answer you personally and the pick of the questions will feature in Reconnect.

An air source heat pump - extracts ‘free’ heat from the air.

at its options for future WINDPOWER supporters in and around Totnes say they are disappointed but not surprised that local planners have turned down the application for two wind turbines south of the town. Sixteen voted to refuse the scheme – three were in favour and four abstained. Totnes Renewable Energy Society (TRESOC) is currently discussing next steps with their partner Infinergy. Most UK wind farm planning applications are determined on appeal. Communications director Jane Brady said: “We’re doing a lot of listening, particularly to our membership. As people become more aware or involved and the situation changes, new questions come up. And we do recognise the fact that the proposed

turbines will have an impact on the view, which is causing concern. “For example, we have been asked whether Infinergy could resubmit with smaller turbines, or a single turbine… but would they be of the scale required to deliver abundant supplies of renewable energy at the lowest cost? “To put it in context, the Rattery turbine is 35m high and produces 50kW, which equals the annual domestic electricity consumption for 36 households, compared with 2,500 for ours.” Meanwhile, TRESOC is pursuing several other projects and providing input to South Hams District Council as they develop a local policy on renewable energy. Visit www.tresoc.co.uk.

If you have to use oil... buy cheaper FEBRUARY saw the first anniversary of the Devon Oil Collective which now boasts over 320 members, all of them happily saving up to 6 pence a litre on their oil orders. Devon has over 400 parishes of which over half have 75% of their properties off the gas network - so many of them have had to rely on either oil or electricity for heating. But all those households using oil means there is even more potential for savings - it just needs more of them to sign up for the scheme. The chances are that on your first collective order you could save enough to pay for the membership fee of £24 a year, which means that all future orders will be saving you money. Cara Stobart, who helps run the scheme for the Community Council of Devon, says that currently monthly orders from between 50 and 60 members can add up to 60,000 litres - that’s a lot of buying power. The orders are placed through a broker, Community Buying Unlimited, which looks to place bulk orders either locally, regionally or nationally, depending on the price. There are other considerations whether the company has the ability to supply the amount on order and, more importantly, whether they have the vehicles to get into some of the more remote and inaccessible delivery destinations. Said Kara: “We have 322 individual households signed up along with five community organisations and two businesses. On average members

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will save between £30 and £60 on a 1,000 litres order depending on whether they normally spend time shopping around for the best price. “Most people have previously stayed with the same supplier so they’ve been paying more than they needed to - on average the savings are around 4.5 pence per litre.” To find out about the collective go to the Community Council of Devon (CCD) website - www.devonrcc.org.uk - and click on the Devon Oil Collective tab on the right hand side. From there you can download a membership form and find details of prices obtained on previous orders. The CCD is also looking for local coordinators to help run the scheme. The role involves promoting the scheme in your local area and collecting orders each month. In return you would receive free membership to the Devon Oil Collective. If you are interested and would like more information, click on local co-ordinators leaflet or call 01392 248919 or email oilscheme@ devonrcc.org.uk.

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Where air source fits the bill NOW the solar PV market has settled down, other forms of renewable heating are at last receiving serious consideration – and will so even more when the Government finally gets around to sorting out RHI payments. Air source heat pumps are in theory delightfully simple: they collect heat that is always available in the outside air and pump it into the house. In practice, that requires some fairly expensive kit, but apart from the electricity they use to run the process, there are no additional fuel costs, making them around 50-60% cheaper to run than oil and LPG, says Patrick Seiflow of local supplier and installer Eco Trades in Paignton. And that’s without taking that RHI payment into account – when the Government finally gets around… etc. Eco Trades starts by conducting a survey of the whole house, incorporating the insulation values of walls and ceilings, to determine what size system will be required. A 9kW system will cost around £9,000 and a 16kW system for larger properties around £14,000. These figures include the cost of larger radiators, often

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necessary because an air source heat pump system runs at around 50-55 degrees, compared with a conventional system at 70-80 degrees. Said Patrick Seiflow of Eco Trades: “We’re finding these systems are becoming increasingly popular, particularly with people replacing oil and LPG boilers. “We recently installed one in a barn conversion and the owner said this was the first time the place had ever been warm. “The figures add up even now and the RHI will be paid retrospectively back to the time of the installation, so that should help to reduce the cost of the installation.” When the Government… etc. Visit www.eco-trades.co.uk or call 01803 393530.

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Energy groups united SO much is happening in the South Hams as far as renewable energy is concerned it’s hard to keep pace. While the Totnes wind turbines were being refused by local planners (see opposite), a new partnership was being forged in the region to make a combined effort to tackle energy shortages, climate change and renewables. The South West Devon Community Energy Partnership (SWCEP) is a network of organisations - believed to be the first of its kind in the UK dealing with energy issues. The group consists of Dartmoor National Park Authority and West Devon Borough, South Hams District and Devon County Councils in partnership with groups including Bovey Climate Action, DARE, Dartmoor Circle, Devon Heartlands, Greener Teign, PL21 Ivybridge, South Devon Coastal Renewable Energy Network, Stoke Gabriel Low-E, Sustainable South Brent, Transition Tavistock and Transition Town Totnes. Kate Royston, chair of the new partnership, said: “Millions of pounds are spent annually by local residents on their increasing household and transport energy bills. Virtually none of this money stays in the area and we are looking at how we can work with

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the councils to take direct action and support policies that minimise our use of energy locally and increase our ability to generate appropriate renewable energies within the districts.” The partnership, which was officially launched on March 4, is developing a number of initiatives across the area including community training, energy assessments, events and impartial advice on energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable transport. One of the partners is DARE, the Devon Association for Renewable Energy, which held its annual meeting in March and relaunched its membership scheme, which is open to anyone who is interested in supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy in Devon. DARE has won funding to enable it to work with schools and the community on energy and sustainability projects. It has also been conducting full energy efficiency and renewable energy studies for a number of clients including village halls, a holiday park, farms, a town council office, a town hall, a community hall, schools, chapels, churches, alms houses, a land-based learning centre and domestic properties. Visit www.devondare.org.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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Time for a brew - Neil and pupils in a forest school session

Neil takes teaching into some wild places NEIL Martin’s classroom must be every teacher’s dream - the great outdoors! As a trained forest school leader, Neil can take children from as young as two to experience exciting and inspiring lessons about the natural world through games, craft activities and exploration. Neil’s Forest School operates in Waycotts Orchard at Buckfastleigh on Dartmoor both during term time or through the school holidays. Sessions started at the end of February with classes for children aged 5-11, pre-school age for

parents and children, and a separate session for people who are home educating. Neil trained at Duchy of Cornwall College in Forest School Leader Skills and has an outdoor first aid certificate and an enhanced CRB check. Neil says he has a wealth of practical knowledge and, as a father of three, has the patience and understanding of children’s needs necessary to help them fulfil their true potential. For details go too www.waycotts. org.uk or call 01364 643951.

We are Kingfisher Print & Design. No matter what the job, big or small, we’ll work closely with you, understanding and treating each project with individual care and attention. Working in an environmentally responsible way, we are FSC certified and this drives everything we do. Combined with our wealth of knowledge and experience, this allows us to deliver what we do best - beautiful print of the highest standard… If you would like to speak to us about a project please feel free to drop us a line 01803 867087.

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Tarte Noire opens doors to The beauty of ethical jewellery men to explore tough issues WHAT are our experiences of violence? How is internet pornography impacting on our young people? Where and how do we experience abuses of power? These are just some of the challenging questions being explored by Tarte Noire Women’s Playback Theatre Company in its current season of performances in Totnes and Exeter, part of its Totnes in Conversation project. The performances are linked to the global One Billion Rising campaign to end violence towards women and children. Although Tarte Noire usually performs for women-only audiences, for this season and next it is opening some of its performances to both men and women. Director Alison Fairlove said: “We are committed to opening up our performances for men and women to come together and grapple with what are often difficult issues. Our intention is to build understanding and find ways of moving forward together.” Fellow director Amanda Brown explained how they use groundbreaking techniques to explore often difficult subjects: “Playback Theatre is a form of spontaneous interactive theatre, ideally suited to exploring complex issues and multiple perspectives in a sensitive and often transformative way. “In a typical performance, audience

members respond to questions asked by the ‘conductor’, who is facilitating the performance. Actors and a musician then respond spontaneously to the audience’s stories by creating a short piece of theatre on the spot.“ So far this season, Tarte Noire has given three performances for men and women, giving a creative ‘airing’ to stories of domestic violence, colonialism, the impact of pornography and the experiences of teenagers growing up in a world of 24/7 internet access. “The power of Playback Theatre is that everyone in the audience witnesses the true experiences that are spoken, and feels it together,” said Amanda. “The process slows down a conversation as time is taken to watch the enactment before the next person speaks.” All Tarte Noire’s forthcoming performances will be in Totnes at Bogan House on the High Street. They all start at 8pm and tickets are £7 (£5 conc). Performances on May 7 and June 11 are for men and women; and on May 21 and July 2 for women only. On June 27, there will be a Mirror Mirror Playback Theatre Company performance (same venue, time and ticket prices), open to men and women. To find out more, visit www.tartenoire.co.uk.

Films up your street IT’S now Saturday night at the movies in Totnes after Follaton Community Cinema (FCC) moved its regular screenings to the last Saturday of the month. On Saturday April 27, they’ll be showing the very funny and very moving Lars and the Real Girl (PG - right) at the Follaton Community Centre. The audience will also vote for May and June movies - be there at 7pm for a cuppa and cake. Get all the latest FCC news (and see trailers of forthcoming films) at www. follatoncommunitycinema.co.uk and call 01803 868455 to be added to the FCC mailing list.

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THERE has been a deal great of publicity about the integrity, or lack of it, around the mining of gold and diamonds. And now silver should, it seems, be added to the list of luxury goods we should buy with caution. Yume Martin, an ethical jeweller who sells her work through a number of local galleries, including Artworks in South Brent, says the majority of silver on the open market is a by-product of mining more abundant metals such as zinc, copper and tin. In 2005 only 30 percent of the world’s ‘virgin silver’ came from designated silver mines, with the remaining 70 percent derived from other mining activities. “But both sources share the unenviable reputation of ‘one of the world’s most destructive industries’,” says Yume. A recent report by Earthworks and Oxfam charts a catalogue of environmental and human rights abuses, including arsenic emissions, cyanide and mercury poisoning, the destruction of ecosystems, erosion of top-soils and food security and the widespread exploitation of child-labour. Says Yume: “I use only 100 per-cent recycled silver, ethically sourced from UK domestic and industrial scrap-metal.” Fairtrade campaigner and jeweller Greg Valerio, who has committed himself to achieving physical traceability in the jewellery supply chain, said: “People like Yume are the future of the industry. We need to see more young, entrepreneurial jewellers like her combining a strong sense of moral conviction with a talent for innovative design.” You can see Yume’s work at Artworks in South Brent. Visit www. artworksouthbrent.co.uk or call 01364 649424.

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Inspiration for a greener way to live...

Eco homes & building A LOCALLY built caravan, right, kicks off this Eco homes and building section. We’ve also got a plea for beds and washing machines from Refurnish, a tribute to oak and the latest on the Land Society eco home build project, left 35 years experience in all aspects of building and design RepaiRs: major and minor alteRations: internal and external

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IT’S easy to develop a passionate love/hate relationship with the humble caravan. On the one hand they’re irritating white boxes that block up our roads in the Summer and offer all the structural integrity of a margarine tub. But then they’re also a great way to get out into the sticks; to enjoy a few home comforts when you’re exploring off the beaten track… And, increasingly, they’re providing a base for people who have a little land to play with. But while the mainstream caravan industry continues to produce

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something that looks like a cross between a Barratt show home and a chest freezer, there’s a strong alternative market developing. These less conventional caravanners are looking to the classic vans of a few decades back, to the romantic shepherd’s hut and to bespoke, handbuilt designs. And they don’t come any more bespoke and handbuilt than the Roulotte by Roadwood in South Devon. Roadwood’s Terry Hackwith describes it as a “semi-static” rather than a tourer. “It’s based on a conventional caravan chassis so it actually tows really well, “ he explained. “But it does weigh around two and quarter tonnes, so you do need a large four-wheeldrive.” The reason it weighs so much is that Terry has not compromised on materials, including the substantial wooden frame, wood paneling, oak windows and brass detailing, including catches, lamps and rear porthole windows. “We have taken the utilitarian principles of the modern caravan like its layout, technologies and convenience and added the charming cosyness of an old cottage and the style of a classic French Gypsy Wagon - simply because they’re gorgeous!”

Refurnish provides safety net THE South and West Devon furniture reuse charity Refurnish has stepped in to help local authorities provide a vital safety net for vulnerable and needy individuals and families. Until April 1, the Government provided Community and Care Grants and Crisis Loans to help people who lacked the necessary funds to buy vital furniture and household equipment. Now, though, the responsibility has been transferred from central to local Government. And although the amount of funding available to local authorities to operate the scheme in the first year has been announced, the sum for the second year is uncertain – and there is no guarantee at all of money for the third year. This leaves local councils having to provide the service with gradually decreasing funding – and without any true sense of what the demand will be. Fortunately Refurnish have great experience and expertise of the subject and they are talking to all the councils in the area – and have already agreed to work with Torbay

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and Teignbridge District Councils. “We are helping them find their way through this unknown situation,” said Refurnish’s David Banks. But David said they will need help from the public too. “It will mean there is an even greater demand for good quality furniture and white goods,” said David. “We would particularly like to hear about good quality beds and cookers – we are happy to collect them and guarantee they will go to very deserving homes.” Visit www.refurnish.org.uk or call 01752 897311.

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The beauty of oak

The Roadwood Roulotte features wonderful detailing inside and out. The Roulotte featured was hand finished only this year and is for sale at £30,000, complete with fridge freezer, full size oven, grill and hob, instant hot water supply, Meme woodburner, wet room, mains hookup, gas and 12v system. It sleeps three. But Terry says he can build one exactly the way you want it – a fully detailed ‘shell’, ready to be fitted out to your requirements, is around £15,000. Find out more at www.roadwood. co.uk or call 07771 592 772.

IT’S all about the oak. Jon Bayes, aka The Green Handyman, just loves the stuff and his clients love what he creates. “I’ve used oak to make shelves in a number of projects,” says Jon. “And the flooring in the picture, a job I’ve just completed in Totnes, uses sustainable oak from French forests.” But Jon’s next project is something very special indeed. “It’s a replica of a 17th century joined chest in the style of Thomas Dennis, an Exeter joiner who emigrated to New England and exported the Devon style to the colonies there.” It will feature mortise and tenon joints, relief carving – and will be constructed, of course, from locally grown riven oak. Contact Jon (and he’s perfectly happy to work with other woods!) on 01364 642730 or 07729 589986, or visit www. thegreenhandyman.co.uk.

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Eco homes & building Artist’s impressions of the self-build eco homes by architects LED

Station Road South Brent Devon TQ10 9BE 01364 649424 Tues – Sat 10 – 5 Wednesday 10 – 1 only five minutes from the A38

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NTEMPOR Y

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Eco homes interest builds THE Land Society self-build eco home project we featured in the last issue of Reconnect obviously hit the spot with Reconnect readers. The Land Society had a great response and almost everyone who has mentioned the February/March issue to us has also commented on the project. Meanwhile it continues to gather momentum and the Land Society has asked us to put the word out for more participants in specific areas and for suitable sites too. More on that in a moment, but first a few details of the groundbreaking scheme for those who missed it last time, or who need a refresher. Basically, the Land Society helps villagers to form a Community Land Trust (CLT) and locate and purchase a suitable site. The CLT is then supported and guided by the Land Society through planning process, working closely with the local authority - Teignbridge District Council is giving the project its full backing. To learn the necessary skills to build the homes, Tuesday-Saturday participants can then 10 -5 attend a new purpose-designed Wednesday 10 - 1 course at South Devon College, which plans to build a demo house on its campus. The homes will be low-energy two, three and four-bedroom houses, designed by Totnes architects LED and built using strawbales and rammed earth. LED’s Andy Kirby said: “The low energy dwellings are designed to be highly insulated with strawbale walls, rammed earth floors, rammed earth internal walls (acting as heat store) and passive solar sun space – all using natural, locally-sourced materials.” The finances are designed to make the project accessible – and keep it local. The Land Society’s Erica Lewis said: “The participants’ labour buys them a 25% share of the equity in their home, and they secure up to a further 50% either with a mortgage, or, for people who would find securing a mortgage difficult at this stage, we are able to offer a ‘rent to buy’ option.

“The remaining 25% is held by the CLT in perpetuity to keep the houses affordable for local people.” The most advanced project is at Broadhempston where a planning application is already with the council and a decision is expected around the time this issue hits the streets. Meanwhile, the Land Society is keen to hear from anyone interested in joining a CLT and undertaking a self-build in Teignmouth, Kenton/Kenford, Dawlish, Bovey Tracey, Buckfastleigh, or Harberton/Harbertonford. Suitable sites have not yet been located in those areas, so again if anyone can suggest anywhere, get in touch with the Land Society. Dale Lockett, a member of the Harberton and Harbertonford Community Land Trust, which hosted an open day in their village hall to introduce the scheme to the community said: “This project not only provides the opportunity for local families to build and own their own property, but also gets the local community involved in deciding how the project will unfold, and how shared community space will be used for the good of the community; bolstering the area’s social and economic future”. Assuming it is not already allocated as building land on the local plans, it does need to be adjoining existing developments. To find out more, email Erica Lewis at The Land Society (a Community Interest Company) at erica_lewis@ btinternet.com, visit www.teignbridge. gov.uk/selfbuild, or read the article in the February/March issue of Reconnect now online at www.reconnectonline. co.uk. FOR LOW IMPACT LIVING

artworks Station Road South Brent Devon TQ10 9BE

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Please contact: Andrew R Kirby RIBA 01803 867377 info@LEDdevon.co.uk www.LEDarchitects.co.uk

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‘Practical and upbeat’ charity shares wisdom Hannah Bosence Picture Paul White

Trust Hannah to boost fund THE Barn Owl Trust’s Hannah Bosence is taking steps to raise money for the charity - by walking the 111mile Two Moors Way at the beginning of April. Hannah will average 16 miles a day to cover the route from the north coast of Devon to the south. If you would like to make a donation to support the walk, email hannah@ barnowltrust.org.uk or 01364 653026.

THE majestic Barn Owl has been voted Britain’s most popular farmland bird and has become a symbol of healthy countryside. But like most creatures, it does need a little help and support sometimes and that’s where the Barn Owl Trust steps in. Formed 25 years ago in July with a donation of just £25 from one of the founding trustees, the Ashburton-based Barn Owl Trust has become a fully-fledged conservation charity, with a team of dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters. Although a very small charity in comparison with most, the Trust provides advice, training, education and rehabilitation for injured birds. It has managed some fantastic achievements over the years and developed a great reputation for its handson practical approach. The Devon Barn Owl Survey, for example, now takes place every 10 years to improve understanding of population

levels and active sites and to establish which need protection and help. The survey is a joint project with the Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society and has brought up a range of issues leading to collaboration and publication of papers with other respected organisations including Natural England, the RSPB and DEFRA. Last year the Trust reached its biggest milestone yet when it published the Barn Owl Conservation Handbook. Mike Toms of the British Trust for Ornithology said: “Like the Trust, this book is upbeat and practical, delivering an optimistic approach to Barn Owl conservation that is accessible to readers from a wealth of backgrounds.”

On a day to day basis, the staff at the Trust spend their time erecting Barn Owl nest boxes, creating ideal Barn Owl habitat, providing care for casualty owls, consulting with regulatory bodies, producing research and delivering thought provoking environmental educational work, and providing specialist training for professionals. To find out more, visit www. barnowltrust.org.uk, email info@barnowltrust.org.uk, or call 01364 653026. Live owl emergency mobile: 07889 594663.

The Barn Owl and below, fitting a nesting box.

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Commitment is big factor in fund success ETHICAL financial adviser Chris Iles Wright looks at ethical funds with their hearts in the right place IT will be 30 years next year since the launch of the first ethical investment fund in the UK – the Friends Life Stewardship Fund. Other funds have come and gone over the years and it’s not the only survivor from the early days. But those life assurance companies who subsequently launched funds to which they had little underlying commitment have been caught out in the last few years as investors have seen through them and taken their money elsewhere. Prudential, Marks & Spencer and Marlborough have all closed their ethical funds recently. Meanwhile, a number of ‘boutique’ funds have started up run by enthusiasts for ethical and environmental investment who have the professional background to match. These funds are not encumbered by large institutional structures and are able to respond more quickly to changes in the market. WHEB, for example, launched their Sustainability Fund in 2009 under the guidance of Clare Brook who has been at the forefront of ethical investment for more than 15 years as a fund manager of a number of SRI funds (Socially Responsible Investment) for large institutions. When, through the change of policy of another provider of SRI funds, a number of experienced managers and researchers became available in 2011 WHEB were able to recruit the best of them, adding considerable expertise to their operation. Getting the go-ahead for that would have been much more difficult in a larger company. Another smaller company, Cheviot, launched their Climate Assets fund in 2010. This combines some innovative holdings with a structure intended to keep the fund as medium risk - other international funds can be a little too adventurous for most investors. Independent financial advice is highly recommended in order to combine successful financial planning with investments that fit your personal values.

WE all know about the world’s massive inequalities how children in Africa struggle while ours complain because they don’t have the latest computer game. But what can we actually do about it? Two Reconnect readers tell us what they did

The land of smiles FOR Reconnect reader Gina Awad, the idea of volunteering in Ghana, in West Africa, gradually grew into a passion over 10 years. “I delayed going because my son Alex was too young to leave,” she explained, “but I’m thrilled to say I finally made it - and it exceeded all my expectations!” Gina, who lives in Exeter, organised a fundraising project last Summer and is “truly grateful” for the help and collaboration of local sponsors and businesses that donated raffle prizes. “I’ve travelled quite a lot,” said Gina, “but the Ghanaian culture, people, food, music and climate, together with the sheer beauty of it all, outdid everywhere I’ve ever been – it’s simply the land of smiles!” She spent time teaching children in their teens, some of whom had only recently entered the education system. They were all keen to learn,” says Gina, and treated her “with the utmost respect and faith”. “Each day my greeting consisted of the widest of gleaming smiles from cheek to cheek,” she said. “I immersed myself in their daily school life and assemblies in the scorching sunshine as they sang at the top of their voices, and worked with more challenged children on a one-to-one basis.

One holiday that inspired a lastin WE all hope our holidays will have a positive effect on us. But Reconnect reader Donna McCheyne’s holiday literally changed her life – and is set to change the lives of children at a South African primary school. Donna and her husband Marcus, who live in Malborough and both work at Yeoward Boatyards in Salcombe, visited an Afrikaans primary school in the Kammanassie Valley, while on holiday on the Western Cape. Said Donna: “Kommandantsdrift School is an eco-school, working with the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) to encourage children to be proactive in conservation and green projects. “The eco project at the school is run by teacher and local farmer

Anél Burger, one of three of the teachers at the school of 71 students.” The McCheynes soon realised that while the school had a little of everything they needed for their daily school activities, resources were in short supply. “They are provided with a hot meal every day as part of the country’s national food scheme for schools,” explained Donna. “But while the classrooms are decorated with bright, colourful drawings, on closer inspection we noticed things were old or broken. “They play in a dusty yard, equipped with a few playground toys made from recycled wood and old tyres. There is no grass and the perimeter fence is topped with barbed wire.” Even though the children have very

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“For me, teaching children was a new and invaluable experience.” Gina says her three week visit flew by – “although my son who stayed in the UK probably wouldn’t agree…” She plans to take him with her when she goes back “in the near future”. If you are interested in taking part in a similar experience, Gina will be happy to point you on your way – call her on 07941459439 or email Ginasfreespirit@ yahoo.co.uk. To find out more about The Ghana Volunteer Project, visit www.ghanavolunteerproject. org or on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/ GhanaVolunteerProject.

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little, they still enjoy making things to sell at yard sales and recently raised the equivalent of £50, which they donated to charity. “The pride they feel from giving to others even less fortunate than themselves is a very valuable lesson,” explained Anél. The current eco-theme is healthy living and biodiversity and once the children have proved they understand the concepts and have made positive changes to their environment, they are awarded a certificate. In keeping with the healthy living theme, Donna, a yoga fanatic and qualified reflexologist, showed the children how reflexology works and ran a yoga class. “The children had not heard of yoga,” said Donna, “and it was wonderful to see them listen, learn and enjoy what I had to tell them. I made the positions child friendly and included lots of bottom wiggling and animal noises, which they enjoyed.” Anél took notes so she could continue the workshops throughout the year. In 2007, when Donna and Marcus first visited South Africa, they sponsored Madeline Peers, a pupil of school leaving age, to continue her education at Uniondale High School through Kammanassie Care. Five years on, during this visit, Donna met Mattie Peers, Madeline’s mother.

“It was a pleasure t Mattie and an abso to know that we ha make a positive dif daughter’s educati she said. Donna and Marcu Devon this time ple the children of Kom School. “Help can come in - practical or fun it students to use, mo school projects or education program primary school lea explained Donna. swap schemes wou learning opportuni

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ng loving link

to meet olute delight ave helped fference to her ion and life,”

us returned to edging to help mmandantsdrift

n many guises tems for the oney to fund continued mmes for avers,” “And school uld offer a nity for all parties

involved. The warm welcome we received and their willingness to learn from us is a moment we will treasure for a very long time. It was an experience to warm the heart.” As well as cash for school projects, Donna hopes to help provide socks, yoga mats, t-shirts and bags that hang on the chairs for book storage. If you are an individual, business or school and would like to pledge a cash or item donation, sponsor a child’s education, or set up a school exchange programme, please contact Donna on 07941 508 004 or email everypennyhelps123@gmail.com.

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Two events to help the school DONNA has already planned two events to raise funds for the children and their school. First she is inviting people to book a table to sell pre-loved and nearly new items, such as clothes, children’s toys, books, household goods. It’s at Malborough Village Hall on Sunday April 14, 12-4pm. Tables are £5 and all proceeds will go to Kommandantsdrift Primary School. Then on Sunday, May 12, again at the Malborough Village Hall, Donna is hosting The Well-Woman Extravaganza. “It’s a date for the girls!” said Donna. “Come along with your best friend, mum, daughter, sister or grandma and enjoy a fusion of wellwoman indulgence. “The afternoon will include retail therapy, massage, reflexology, meditation, shiatsu, hair and beauty, Nia, Zumba, yoga, bootcamp-style fitness, and much more!” Email everypennyhelps123@ gmail.com to book a place on the workshops, which are all free (although donation are welcome).

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People and Organisational Development

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APRIL FRIDAY 5

Henning Wehn - May 3

Events diary

There’s Reconnect news Facebook... local people localmore events local food localon health local environment

Lars and the Real Girl - April 27

Breadmaking - April 12

Singing for the Brain - for people with memory problems or in early to moderate stages of dementia and their carers, Follaton Community Centre, Whitely Ave, Totnes, 2-4pm, 01803 669216 Saturday 6 Hay Rake Making - Devon Rural Skills Trust event, Kiln Shotts, Haytor, Bovey Tracey, booking necessary, 01548 821156 after 6.30 pm, www.devonruralskillstrust. co.uk. Sunday 7 Crochet workshop in conjunction with Social Fabric (www. socialfabrictotnes.co.uk), cafe open for drinks and food, The Owl in the Oak Café, Bowden House, Totnes, owlintheoakcafe@ gmail.com Establishing a Forest Garden, family-friendly monthly event at the Community Food Nursery, behind Follaton House’s walled garden, Totnes, free skillshare, 10am-1pm, 01803 762992, 07929 962653 or a.l@zen.co.uk, www.transitiontowntotnes.org. Tuesday 9 TTT Film Night: Waking the Green Tiger, Totnes Methodist Church, 7.45-10pm, www. transitiontowntotnes.org Restoring the Balance - talk by David Ramsden MBE, head of conservation at

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Come on in... RIGHT, tough talk time. If you know about an event but it’s not in the diary - you should have told us about it! Likewise, if there’s not much for your area, tell groups in your area to get in touch. Email editor@reconnectonline.co.uk. We also can’t give free diary entries to therapists’ courses and workshops - but we can sell you an incredibly cheap (minimum £18) lineage ad in our Workshops & Courses Diary. See page 41. the Barn Owl Trust, at Taw and Torridge branch of the Devon Birdwatching and Preservation Society, Barnstaple, www. barnowltrust.org.uk. Wednesday 10 Love & Fire, a Totnes play by Nick Stimson, directed by Richard Clark, Playgoers Society of Dartington Hall, 7.30pm Ariel Centre, KEVICC. £7/£5 from TIC (01803 863168) or 01803 869200, www.playgoers. co.uk. Thursday 11 Guided sewing session, free skillshare with Anna Ash, Totnes, anna@ilovesewing. co.uk, 01803 847899. Friday 12 Crediton Folk Weekend, traditional and contemporary folk music and dance, www. poppyrecords.co.uk. Artisan bread making course, learn to make bread and take home a sourdough starter culture, Stover School, Newton Abbot, 07950 256476, cathrin.whittome@ hotmail.co.uk Earth Café Eco news, networking and vegan buffet, 7.30-11pm, Cellar Bar, The Fortesque, Mutley, Plymouth, £1 on door, vegan buffet £5, acoustic music, 01822 832815. Craft Club, free, 7-9pm, cafe open for drinks and food, The Owl in the Oak Café, Bowden House, Totnes, owlintheoakcafe@gmail. com Milling at Cricklepit - work as volunteer at Devon Wildlife Trust’s HQ, 10am-12noon, www.devonwildlifetrust.org. Saturday 13

Call Pete on 01392 346342 or Martin 01803 868455 Or email adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk Through

until

Learn about the agroforestry project at Underwood Discovery Centre, Beeson, Kingsbridge, lunch provided, adults £7.50, children £2, booking required, 07765 631877, info@ treesforhealth.org, www. treesforhealth.org Sunday 14 Table top sale - fundraiser for Kommandantsdrift Primary School in South Africa. Pre-loved items of all sorts, plus refreshments. £5 per table for sellers, free entrance, 12-4pm, Marlborough Village Hall. To book table call 07941 508 004, or email donna@ mccheyne.plus.com. Visit www.everypennyhelps123. webs.com. The Diamond Family Archive plus special guests Live Dinner available in The Owl in the Oak Café, Bowden House, Totnes. Tuesday 16 How big should Exeter be? Cafe-style discussion with Peter Lipman (TransitionNetwork, SUSTRANS)and Richard Short (Exeter City Council), St Stephen’s Church, Exeter High Street, 7pm, suggested donation £3, 01647 24789, 07806 623311, www. transitionexeter.org.uk Wednesday 17 Proud2Be Project group, for local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, The Terrace coffee shop, Totnes, 6.30-9.30pm, £2, proud2beproject.org. Lennon Legacy Project - talk by David Ramsden, head of conservation at the Barn Owl Trust, at National Trust in Axminster, 2.45pm, Colyford Memorial Hall, www.barnowltrust.org.uk.

Vegan Pledge workshop, Thursday 18 St Sidwell’s Centre, Exeter, 07810 898440. See Spring garland workshop, Reconnect Apr/May page 11. the Barn Owl Trust, craft December 20Spring 10am 9pm your own lovely garland Discover forest -foods,

to celebrate Spring, all materials provided, 2pm, The Barn Owl Trust, Waterleat, Ashburton, 01364 653026, www. barnowltrust.org.uk. Friday 19 Singing for the Brain - for people with memory problems or in early to moderate stages of dementia and their carers, Follaton Community Centre, Whitely Ave, Totnes, 2-4pm, 01803 669216. Saturday 20 Until Sunday 28 Chromatography - exhibition of photographs by Elise Carr, Harbour House Gallery, Kingsbridge, 01548 854708, www. harbourhouse.org.uk. Stone facing, Devon Rural Skills Trust event, Woodah Farm, Doddiscombsleigh, booking necessary on 01548 821156 after 6.30 pm, www. devonruralskillstrust.co.uk. Jewellery making workshop with Lizzie Sanders, 10am4pm, £50/45, Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, 01626 832223, www.crafts.org.uk. Fiery Feet Fiesta! - music from Eastern Europe and Balkans by Salamander and guest musicians from Krasa, shared supper from 6pm, traditional circle dance 7 – 9.30pm, shared supper from 6pm, Krasa from 9.30pm, Rattery Village Hall, £5/£3.50, 01803 840761. Friday 26 Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink, Northernhay gardens and Exeter Castle Courtyard, www.exeterfoodanddrink festival.co.uk. Natural beekeeping course run by Embercombe’s beekeepers, Tim Hall and Jessie Watson Brown, Embercombe, near Exeter, £175, 01647 252983, clare@embercombe.co.uk. Saturday 27 Devon Wildlife Trust annual festival, stalls from local wildlife organisations and free activities for children and adults, The Piazza, Plymouth City Centre, Armada Way, Plymouth, 10am-4pm, 01392 27924, contact us@ devonwildlifetrust.org, www. devonwildlifetrust.org

The weird and the wonderful... Take a journey through the strange and magical ceramic world of Robin Currie. See his work online and make comment. You can now buy online at:

www.robincurrie.co.uk 24

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facebook.com/ReconnectMagaz Follow us at... local food ine local people local events local health local environment FILM night in Totnes - Lars and the Real Girl (PG, starring Ryan Gosling), Follaton Community Centre, Totnes, 7pm, www. follatoncommunitycinema .co.uk, 01803 868455. North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival, guided walks to suit everyone from Ilfracombe, Porlock and Dunster, North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival, www.exmoorwalkingfestival. co.uk. Film and dinner: seven short films and talk by bird photographer Amano Samarpan, Bowden House, Totnes, book on 07919 178701 or email owlintheoakcafe@gmail. com. Tuesday 30 Exhibition of printmaking and mixed media works by local artists Emma Cook and Alison Veazey, The Flavel, Dartmouth, www. theflavel.org.uk. Rosie Burns exhibition, woodcarving, ceramics, printmaking and painting in watercolours and oils, Harbour House Gallery, Kingsbridge, 01548 854708, www. harbourhouse.org.uk. MAY Friday 3 Public talk/blessing ceremony by Shaman Sangoma John Lockley

in Totnes, see africanshaman.com for details or email mark@markflaherty. co.uk. Henning Knows Bestest - German comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn, The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth, 01803 839530, www.theflavel. org.uk. Singing for the Brain - for people with memory problems or in early to moderate stages of dementia and their carers, Follaton Community Centre, Whitely Ave, Totnes, 2-4pm, 01803 669216. Saturday 4 Matthew & Me, highly acclaimed local band, The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth, 01803 839530, www.theflavel. org.uk. Two-day ancestral ceremony/initiation with senior Shaman Sangoma John Lockley in Totnes. See african-shaman.com for details or email mark@ markflaherty.co.uk.

Monday 6

Wednesday 8 Conservation Day with the Barn Owl Trust, spend a day working in the nature reserve, Legacy Project, Waterleat, Ashburton, 10am-4pm, 01364 653026, www.barnowltrust. org.uk. Friday 10 AND MAY 11 Cockington Court Ceramics Festival - 50 stands plus demonstrations and workshops, Cockington Court, Torquay, www. cockingtoncourt.org/ ceramicsfestival. Dart Music Festival, range of orchestral, rock, choral, blues, opera, jazz and folk at venues across Dartmouth www.dartmusicfestival. co.uk. Saturday 11

Sunday 5 Creative Writing – From the Body, free skillshare with Roberta Chloe Verdant, Birdwood House, 44 High Street, Totnes, 11am-1pm, robertachloeverdant@ gmail.com or 07867 808381. Personal Sangoma

divination sessions with senior Shaman Sangoma John Lockley in Totnes. See african-shaman.com for details or email mark@ markflaherty.co.uk.

Annual plant sale, fundraiser at Kingsbridge Community Garden, Fore Street, Kingsbridge, locally grown plants, home-made cakes and preserves, 10am-4pm, 01548 852058, enquiries@ kingsbridgegarden.co.uk Dry stone walling, Devon Rural Skills Trust event,

Coombe Fishacre, Ipplepen, booking necessary on 01548 821156 after 6.30 pm, www.devonruralskillstrust. co.uk. Permaculture in Action, guided tour of off-grid permaculture cooperative Landmatters, Totnes, 11am-1pm, Sharon on 07833938536 or landmatters@googlemail. com. Sunday 12 Well-woman extravaganza, fundraiser for Kommandantsdrift Primary School in South Africa. Marlborough Village Hall, 12-4pm, 07941 508 004, donna@mccheyne. plus.com. Visit www. everypennyhelps123.webs. com. Tuesday 14 Exhibition - the work of Pamela Parrotte and Rosemary Bonney, Harbour House Gallery, Kingsbridge, 01548 854708, www. harbourhouse.org.uk. Wednesday 15 The Journey of Earthly Delights - iIlustrated talk with Abey Smallcombe 6-7pm, £7/5, Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, 01626 832223, www.crafts.org.uk. Thursday 16 Devon County Show - all

Devon country life is here, Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter, www. devencountyshow.co.uk.

Tuesday 21

Friday 17 Singing for the Brain - for people with memory problems or in early to moderate stages of dementia and their carers, Follaton Community Centre, Whitely Ave, Totnes, 2-4pm, 01803 669216. Basketry and Beyond, all aspects of basket making, Dartington estate, information and tickets - www.festival2013. basketryandbeyond.org.uk. Natural beekeeping course, run by Embercombe’s beekeepers, Tim Hall and Jessie Watson Brown, Embercombe, near Exeter, £175, 01647 252983 or email clare@embercombe. co.uk. Saturday 18 Exeter LETS (Local Exchange Trading System) table top trading, entertainment, bring and share lunch, 11am-2pm, visitors welcome, Boniface Centre, Crediton, info@exeter. letslink.org, www.exeterlets. org.uk. Plant sale in aid of roof fund at Devon Guild of Craftsmen, 10am-4pm, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, free, 01626 832223, www. crafts.org.uk.

Vibrant Images, Vibrant Artists, art exhibition, Harbour House Gallery, Kingsbridge, 01548 854708, www. harbourhouse.org.uk. Wednesday 22 Proud2Be Project group, for LGBT, The Terrace coffee shop, Totnes, 6.30-9.30pm, £2, proud2beproject.org. Saturday 25 Film night in Totnes: movie to be chosen by vote at April screening (see website for film and to watch trailer), 7pm, www. follatoncommunitycinema .co.uk, 01803 868455. Brunch Cafe in aid of Network of Wellbeing, local produce, local musicians, Methodist Hall, Totnes, 10am-2pm, hollytiffen@ yahoo.co.uk Cleft gate hurdles workshop, Devon Rural Skills Trust event, Parke, Bovey Tracey, booking necessary on 01548 821156 after 6.30 pm, www.devonruralskillstrust. co.uk. Friday 31 Natural beekeeping course, run by Embercombe’s beekeepers, Tim Hall and Jessie Watson Brown, Embercombe, £175, 01647 252983 or email clare@embercombe.co.uk.

l Turn to page 41 in Wellbeing to check out our workshops and events listings l PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING TRAINING (CPCAB Accredited) NOW RECRUITING FOR SEPT 2013

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Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

s w o h s & ls a iv t s e F

local people local events localSheelanagig foodand, local health local environment below, Rainbow Girls

Happy 18th for all at this year’s Quest QUEST has come of age! 2013 is its 18th year and with a new owner and team at the helm, it promises everything that’s made it what it is – and some new stuff to take it somewhere else entirely! An impressive line-up of speakers will this year include: Coleman Barks from the USA, world renowned as an interpreter of Rumi; One Giant Leap’s Jamie Catto; TV’s Cowboy Vicar Peter Owen Jones; stand-up philosopher Tim Freke; space clearing Karen Kingston; Life Changing Conversations author Sarah Rozenthuler; singing soul Chloe Goodchild; energy master Jason Chan; Shamanic dreamer Barbara Meiklejohn Free and many more. Music has always been a large part of the Quest experience and this year is even bigger, with world music including: Gambian kora star Sura Susso; international didjeridoo player and multi-instrumentalist Sika from NZ; energetic wild bluegrass from the Rainbow Girls touring from USA and Japanese duo Kuri.

and Seize the Day

QUEST 2013

Newton Abbot Racecourse July 25-28 All that plus eco festivalpleasers Seize The Day, Carrie Tree, Balkan riot Sheelanagig and rising stars, Matthew & Me. “Quest for me is like Paradise - a break from reality to true reality,” says Quest’s new owner Julia Wright. “It’s a place where everyone shows up in their best colours, shining with potential.” Joining Julia’s team is Quest veteran Joyaa (aka Victoria Whelan), who has a great history of delivering festivals in the South West, including the Tagore Festival 2011 at Dartington. “For me the first stop was to refresh the programme,” she said. “I think if you love something and feel passionate about it, the energy flows, and so far that has delivered a brilliant line-up. “There is nothing like Quest – it’s a unique blend of a mind/ body/spirit event and a music festival.

“And then the audience comes and make it their own – that makes Quest sheer magic!” Quest this year will also include Dance Quest, a new dance and movement festival in its own right. Programmed by Deep Dive Dance’s Adam Griffin, he has already confirmed Jewels Wingfield Ecstatic Dance, Christian de Sousa dancingTao, Guy Barrington Biodanza, Reza Hamed Tantric Tango, Noel Perkins Contact improvisation, Julia Brightwell Biodanza and Denise Rowe African Dance. Find out more at www.questuk. co.uk, on Facebook and Twitter.

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Mystic John THE new team at Quest have got some big names in the lineup for this year’s festival (see left). But there were other speakers who couldn’t make it because they will be away on tour – so the organisers are organising special events. On June 14, Canadian philosopher and author John de Ruiter will talk at two separate sessions in the Totnes Civic Hall – at 4-6pm and 8-10pm. Doors open at 3.30 and 7.30 respectively. And for those who haven’t met John before, if you take along a dish you can join him for a shared lunch in the time between the two sessions. Said Quest’s Victoria Whelan: “John is a mystic and pioneer of integrated philosophy who lives in and answers questions from a profound depth. It is from this depth of knowledge that he serves those who thirst for deeper meaning, purpose and communion.”

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editor@reconnectonli Tell about local YOURevents eventslocal - email... ne.co.uk localuspeople food local health local environment

Image: Joolz Perry Photography’

Town hosts gay pride TOTNES will this year host its first rural pride event in Totnes for all local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and their friends, family members and supporters. It’s the brainchild of the Proud2Be Project, founded and directed by identical twins Mat and Jon Price. “As gay children growing up in a small rural village we both know how isolating it can feel to be LGBT identified and have little access to those of the same community,” said Mat. “We felt it was time to bring Pride into rural areas where LGBT people are at most risk of feeling isolated and invisible.” The first of what they hope will be an annual event will be held at The Civic Centre on Saturday, September 14, from 12noon and will include a live panel debate, live music, food and drinks, workshops and stalls for local community organisations and the Devon & Cornwall Police. Find out more at proud2beproject.org or email info@proud2beproject.org.

More festivals and shows in April and May... THERE are all manner of country shows happening across the area, but one of the first and certainly the biggest, is the Devon County Show at Westpoint near Exeter on May 16-18. You’ll get all the farm and countryside pursuits you’d expect plus a lot of high quality crafts and yummy local food to try. Find out more at www. devencountyshow.co.uk. FOLK fans won’t want to miss the Crediton Folk Weekend, April 12-14. Small friendly venues and an impressive line-up of local and not so local musicians – plus traditional

New festival for ceramics A NEW two-day ceramics festival aims to “increase awareness in the arts by bringing people closer to the artists and providing them with a first-hand experience”.

Festival of walks on coast STRICTLY speaking this one is outside the Reconnect area, but we reckon you walkers are adventurous souls and North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival is back for 2013 with 41 guided walks from Saturday April 27 through to Bank Holiday Monday May 6. It starts in Ilfracombe with a special welcome evening on Friday April 26, followed by two days of walks around Ilfracombe. On the Wednesday it moves to the Porlock area for three days before moving along to Dunster on Saturday, for the Bank Holiday weekend, with three days of local events. Walks range from one mile to a full hike of 11 miles with something for all abilities and interests, open to all ages and led by an experienced guide. Visit www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk.

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Image: Steve Tanner

Basketry - and beyond A NEW festival of basketry will celebrate the traditions and challenge the boundaries, say the organisers. Basketry and Beyond has as its theme Fishing, Farming and Fashion, and will include workshops, demonstrations, craft market and entertainment “appealing to anyone with an interest in rural skills, greenwood crafts and the sustainable use of natural materials in contemporary design.” The festival weekend will take place on the Dartington estate, Friday-Sunday, May 17-19. Expect demonstrations by international basketmakers, workshops for adults and children, a seminar on contemporary practice, a wearable basketry parade, a craft and produce market, live music and more. Visit www.festival2013.basketryandbeyond.org.uk.

The Cockington Court Ceramics Festival, on May 10 and 11, will cover “the full breadth of contemporary ceramics” and will include stands, demonstrations and workshops. Cockington Court Craft Centre director Marissa Wakefield said: “We are so excited about organising an event of such magnitude at Cockington. “Thanks to the subsidy from Arts Council England, we will have 50 affordable stands, which allow more artists in the Bay to showcase their craft to a wider audience.“ Applications for stands are now closed but more information is available from www. cockingtoncourt.org/ ceramicsfestival.

dancers. A weekend ticket is just £24 and only £12 for under-15s and pensioners. Camping is £7 for the weekend. Find out more at www.poppyrecords.co.uk. THERE will be folk and a whole range of other music too at the Dart Music Festival. You’ll find orchestral, rock, choral, blues, opera, jazz and folk at venues across Dartmouth from May 10-12. Find out more at www. dartmusicfestival.co.uk. ONE for the foodies… the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink will take over Northernhay gardens and Exeter Castle Courtyard from

April 26-28. More at www. exeterfoodanddrinkfestival. co.uk. THE lovely Victoria Whelan, now part of the Quest team (see opposite) is also the driving force behind the Seed Festival at Hawkwood, near Stroud, on July 6. Expect music by Gambia’s Sura Susso, Sika, Japan’s Kuri, with Seize The Day; top speakers, including Satish and Polly Higgins, Mac Macartney and Helen Browning, plus poets, artists, workshops and much more - all in a beautiful country setting. Find out mor e at www. seedfestival.co.uk.

a Now admcceptin issi g ons

The Creative, Active & Academic in Balance

A new state-funded school for 4 - 16 years olds For more information and admissions visit:

www.steineracademyexeter.org.uk Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Have you got local a story for Wellbeing local people events local foodreaders? local health local environment WELCOME to Wellbeing. WELCOME to Wellbeing, the one big truly local guide to natural therapies and personal development across South Devon. If you’re a practitioner and want to spread the word, get in touch. An 1/8-page in the Wellbeing section, like those at the bottom of this page, can cost just £41.85 a month when you book six issues and pay by direct debit. And there’s free editorial too to ensure you get the full message out there. We’ve got a small but perfectly formed team of journalists and designers who will help you every step of the way. Reconnect does NOT do the hard sell we simply believe in helping you to do what you WANT to do. Call Pete on 01392 346342 or Martin on 01803 868455.

Why did the bookshop cross the road? ONE of the country’s most famous mind/body/spirit bookshops, Arcturus Books in Totnes, has moved - but only across the road. Find out more about the new shop, what it looks like inside, and what owner Douglas Cockbain has to say about internet retailers, on page 38.

At peace - with horses IT’S often said we can learn a lot from animals – and a great deal more from our interaction with them. So it’s perhaps not so surprising that the Dartmoor Pony Training Centre (DPTC) is running a Mindfulness Meditation course, working with horses. Mindfulness is a practice that helps you become more present in your life, more relaxed, but also more alive, alert to the preciousness of what’s around us here and now. The Mindfulness Meditation course is run by DPTC and meditation teacher Vidyadasi. Said centre chairperson and trainer Natalie Torr: “Horses are incredibly sensitive, intuitive beings, as are humans - except that our busy lives often blunt our full range of awareness. “Participants won’t be riding the horses - this is different from a riding course. Instead,

they’ll be guided in building a mutually beneficial relationship with horses, through intuition, mindfulness and presence.” The course will work with a herd of horses and Dartmoor Hill ponies, some very comfortable around people but some are still quite wild. “These wild ones give us the perfect opportunity to be aware; of our movements, body language, energy and intentions,” said Natalie. The course runs from July 26-28 within a camping weekend on Dartmoor. You’ll need your own tent, but the centre will provide meals, tea around the fires and a cosy yurt or barn for our meditation sessions. To find out more about this and other courses, call Natalie on 07802 218169 email dartmoorponytrainingcentre@ yahoo.co.uk.

Norwegian Wood

ORGANIC & FREE RANGE, SUSTAINABLE B&B WITH EVENING MEAL OVERLOOKING THE SEA FNTP awarded 6 CPD credits April 27 & 28, 2013: Yoga, Nutritional and naturopathic /iridology nutritional naturopathy and workshops. Five hour workshop to include organic lunch £65. With B&B £90. iridology CPD 6 credits weekThose with ME, irritable bowel syndrome, end workshop package - £120 psoriasis, allergies, infertility, anxiety and www.yogatorbay.co.uk mob: 07875217970 panic attacks. Norwegian Wood, Heather Nicholson Hollicombe Lane, 01803 528 575 www.organicbedandbreakfast.info Preston, Paignton TQ3 2DT

Take a deep BREATH...

Learn how to use the power of your own breath to overcome stress and re-energise your body. Improve your health and help clear emotional blockages. Workshops and 1:12 sessions available. Breath and Laughter full-day workshop 15 June

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editor@reconnectonli ...email at local ne.co.uk local people local events local us food health local environment

A chance to find their ground

Meir Schneider, Ph.D., L.M.T. named one of Ten Most Inspirational Israelis Worldwide, presents . . .

SINCE time immemorial people have had to negotiate change in their lives and for the greater part of human history these changes were supported by rites of passage based around the land. But today young people grow up in the absence of these rites and the deeply nourishing personal connection to land they offer. LandTime is described as “a modern introduction to this ancient practice”, providing an opportunity for young people to enjoy inspirational time living close to the land, “held within a balance of community, alone time, depth and play”. Jeremy Thres, the founder of the work, has studied with a number of elders and has offered a contemporary form of VisionQuest for 20 years. Gill Westcott , a counselling trainer, cook and storyteller, has been involved in quest work over a decade, and cofacilitates some of the events. Jeremy says: “LandTime offers the chance to explore questions and practice a variety of land living skills according to season, and at the same time feed from the rich wells of myth, indigenous wisdom and rites of passage - time-honoured guides to support us in our lives and unfolding journey.

Lecture: “Self-Healing Through Movement: Regenerate Your Body and Your Vision” 23rd May 7pm - 9:00 pm Admission: £8 (can be applied to the workshop admission)

Hannahs at Seale-Hayne Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 6NQ www.damehannah.com 01626 325800

Workshop: “Guide for Self-Healing; Self-Healing Through Movement and Natural Vision Improvement” 24th May: 10am - 5:30pm 25th May: 10am - 5:30 pm Admission: £90 for 1 day and £150 for 2 days 26th May Meir Schneider is available for private therapy sessions

Food and drink available at the Bistro bar 30yds away

Meditation with horses “The longer LandTimes include significant supported solo fasting/ quest times which, with preparation, can themselves become a rite of passage, both to seek greater clarity for life and to actually mark changes.” “People get very different things from an event like this”, Gill says. “It can be an adventure, or a step to integration and wholeness, or it can be challenging and transformative. I have seen young adults really build confidence and become clearer about their roots and their direction.” As well as the pre-arranged events, Quests and LandTime can be made by individual arrangement. Call Jeremy Thres (01647 221444), or Gill Westcott (01647 24789) and see their advertisement on page 44.

Have a ball talking with Wilson “Using Wilson and WITH all the practicing the art of modern means of sacred speech, the communication conversation somehow email, Twitter, text and becomes more free Facebook - are we flowing as one gives way gradually losing the art to the next, each taking it of conversation? in turns to talk and listen, According to life gaining a greater depth coach Simon Blackler, of understanding of the conversation is other and so moving something we need forward in new and often to rediscover if we are Simon Blackler surprising ways.” to have any chance of Simon puts Wilson on the laps of forming relationships with others - and people at his conversation cafes to ourselves. help them “talk the big talk” and is Simon has started Conversation Cafes finding the cafes allow people to get in Ivybridge and Totnes which he in touch with what lies at the very heart hopes will help people to improve their of their being in order to speak more communication skills. authentically. In an echo of Tom Hanks in the Speaking the Truth - Conversation film Castaway, one of Simon’s tools Cafes, are taking place on alternate for helping encourage speech is a Tuesdays in Totnes and Ivybridge ball called Wilson, named after the running from Birdwood House and volleyball that helped Hanks to endure the Home-from-Home Community the enforced and lengthy isolation on Hub respectively from 7-9pm with a a castaway island in the Pacific. suggested donation of £5/3 conc. Said Simon: “In normal conversation So if you would like to learn how to people can end up fighting over each speak with more confidence, email other in order to be heard and get all Simon on simon@setyourspiritfree. jammed up without really listening to com or call 01752 698703. what the other is truly trying to say.

www.reconnectonline.co.uk

To register: call Val at 01803 866038

We’ll guide you in building a mutually beneﬁcial relationship with horses, through intuition, mindfulness & presence

07802 218169

www.dptc.org.uk dartmoorponytrainingcentre @yahoo.co.uk Events blog: dptcevents.blogspot.co.uk. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK Follow us on Twitter and FaceBook

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Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

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l Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural

Hypnotherapy.

l BA(Hons) Psychology. l Diploma in Family Psychiatry. l CQSW (Certificate of Qualification in

Social Work).

l RSA Voc Prep Tutors Certificate. l MBA

See websites below for details of therapies offered. We also provide ‘Your Vision’ workshops and ART workshops in the UK and abroad. Sessional fees are sensible and backed up by email and telephone support when required. Tel: 01548 559372 mob: 07531 135 691. Email: len.lofts@gmail.com. Psychotherapy: www.matierlofts.com - Consultancy/Social Care: www.famaracareconsultancy.com.

cure himself CONTACT lenses of congenital are now worn blindness, and by 3.7 million went on to people in the UK develop The according to the Meir Schneider British Contact Method of SelfLens Association, Healing Through but not everyone Bodywork and fully supports Movement. their use. Meir is recognised There are obvious as a natural vision risks of causing improvement damage to the expert who eye, particularly encourages his in areas with clients to throw hard water, but away their contact those with poor lenses. or age-related failing eyesight He believes they have to either use “teach the eyes to contact lenses or tolerate foreign Meir Schneider spectacles - don’t objects, and they they? put the cornea at greater risk of laceration.” Not according to Meir Schneider who says that corrective lenses He also says that because contact weaken your eye muscles and only lenses are essentially foreign make matters worse. objects, “your body wants to reject them...this means you must weaken Meir, who runs The School for Self the immune system in your eyes in Healing in San Francisco, says order to accept the contacts.” there is a technique which corrects eyesight naturally, dispensing with Meir will be at Hannahs at Seale the need for spectacles or lenses. Hayne for a talk on May 23 (79pm) and three one-day workshops Meir is In Devon in May to give (10-5.30pm) on May 24, 25 and 26. a lecture and run workshops on natural self-healing techniques. For information go to the website www.self-healing.org He used the Bates Method to

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IT helps to think of your body as a chain, says chiropractor Catherine Crane of Align Posture and Wellness Clinic in Newton Abbot. “What happens at one end will affect links all the way along,” she explained. “Poor biomechanics can result in any or a combination of symptoms, including foot or toe pain, bunions, hammer toes, corns, ingrowing toenails, Morton’s Neuroma, repetitive ankle sprain, foot arch or heel pain, leg or knee pain, hip or back pain, headaches, Plantar fasciitis, jaw pain… “ Book a foot clinic appointment at

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Align Chiropractic Posture and Wellness and you will receive a medical consultation plus a thorough foot, knee, hip, spinal and orthopaedic examination. “Our chiropractors will assess your gait (walking stride) with our state of the art computerised pressure distribution and balance system,” says Catherine. Align is also offering room rental in Newton Abbot for therapists, beauticians and other small businesses. To find out more, call 01803 814329, or visit www. alignyourhealth.co.uk.

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Peter’s gong bath could visit you IF you’re not aware of the power of sound waves, you haven’t experienced a gong bath, which literally baths you in sound. Peter Whitehart, who runs regular going bath meditations in Tiverton and Barnstable, is now exploring other areas, including Exeter, Newton Abbot, Totnes and Plymouth. He needs a minimum of 15 people to form a group, but he’s happy to hear from smaller groups so he can then spread the word and make up the numbers.

“A session lasts an hour, plus 15 minutes of preparation time,” says Peter. “The group environment really adds to its power.” Participants experience the gong bath lying down on crash mats, which he provides, along with a bottle of water at the end of the session. You are asked to take your own blanket and pillow if you require them. Find out more at www.sound-gongbath.co.uk, or email peter@soundgong-bath.co.uk.

Massage to cleanse the colon COLONIC Irrigation has been the traditional way of cleansing the colon. But now a deep colon detox massage has the same effect but achieves it in a much more pleasant and enjoyable way. Manipulating the intestines will get your digestion working at its best and would be a great tonic with which to start your Springtime, says massage specialist Susan de Muynck. “Everyone should cleanse their colon on an annual basis to avoid re-absorbtion of the toxins,” said Susan. The massage stimulates the colon and awakens the muscles that control the peristalsis movement

of the colon - the body’s own natural way of moving waste through the colon. It helps loosen hardened debris that has been living in the gut for years and encourages a natural movement. Said Susan: “This is one of the most powerful forms of massage available. The stomach is a very personal area and where a lot of emotion is carried. The treatment is always carried out with the utmost care, attention and respect.” Susan works out of Dartington and Kingsbridge. Sessions are £25 for 40 minutes. Visit www.havenspaandtherapy. co.uk, or call all 01548 855922 or 07500 800076.

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Strength through gentleness

Campfire discussions: EU visitors at Embercombe

acupuncture - integrated method

Mark Edlund Plater Totnes area 01803 862803 07506 179808 mark.edlundplater@gmail.com

Holistic Birth Hub

Mondays & Tuesdays in Totnes Pregnancy and postnatal Mother’s circles and Yoga Father’s meetings Birth preparation and Hypnobirthing Baby massage course Birth Trauma Healing Doula support Info, resources and lunches

www.birthingwisdom.co.uk 07921516918 / 01803 226127

Going back with new ways to help THE turmoil in various parts of Europe is posing challenges for many people. Earlier this year 14 people living at the sharp end of the EU crisis travelled to Devon for a course designed to give them the answer to the question “How can I help whoever I am”. Among the visitors were three people from Athens, Greece. One of them wrote: “I feel this workshop will... indicate some new ways for helping my own country. “People here are in shock. They don’t move at all or they react through violence, which is extremely dangerous. New ways are required and I came to get some glimpses of these through this workshop.” Other participants had their own stories. One worked as an interpreter in Hungary and experienced degrading treatment of prisoners during investigations. Another had been an activist during the break-up of Yugoslavia and as an ex-offender wanted to find ways to contribute to the common causes. Those participating came from Greece, Spain, Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary,

Romania and Bulgaria and ranged in age from 18-65. Their work was equally as varied and included an engineer, a translator, a student, an ex-offender and one who was unemployed. Martin Cooper, who fundraised and organised for the group to come to Devon, is the founder and director of a social enterprise called Landed, which works with people who want to contribute their talents to help the crises we face. Martin recently took The Journey programme at Embercombe and was inspired to seek EU ‘Grundtvig’ funding to enable other people to have a taste of it for themselves by partnering with Embercombe. Martin is confident the programme has made a difference in the lives of everybody who came. “The feedback has been incredible, he said. “It’s a privilege to have secured EU funding and I wanted to spend it well. From my experience at Embercombe, I knew that they had the ability to run a potentially life changing workshop for people - and I wasn’t disappointed.” Visit www.landedhq.com and www. embercombe.co.uk/journey.

How to be at home in your body HOW we feel in our body makes a profound difference to our quality of life so a good massage should aim to nourish and restore and aid recovery and healing. According to holistic massage practitioner Ailsa Lucas the massage will put us more in touch with our body - more at ease and more whole. She explained: “One of the things I feel passionate about is the value of finding this sense of being at home in our body throughout our everyday life. “That’s why I am now offering courses of six individually tailored 1½-hour massage based sessions called Relaxing in to Your Body which

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have exactly that aim. “This is a chance for clients to relax deeply, feel their body more fully, and get to know what a state of deeper wellbeing is like. There is also time to explore how to grow the ease, presence and wellbeing throughout their life.” Clients who sign up for the full six week course in April or May will receive the six 1½-hour sessions for the same price as six one hour massage sessions. For those who wish to give this approach a try, the first session can be complete in itself. Ailsa is a member of the Massage Training Institute and works out of Ola Chiropractic in Totnes. Call her on 01803 849039, 07999 486059 or ailsa.clare.lucas@gmail.com

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Clearing the stuck emotions through illness, do we MANY of us are only get something like a pill too familiar with being to dumb it back down overwhelmed by a again, or do we seek out sudden sadness or with a a therapy to enable us to sudden rise of anger from help ourselves release it?” nowhere. Fleur says Creative Fleur Brodie’s “enquiring Kinesiology is “an mind” led her to ask amazing way of accessing questions about the that place and that source and the effect Fleur Brodie emotion” - and by helping of those feelings – and, to bring it to the surface, we enable ultimately, to find the answers in the body to release it. kinesiology. She adds: “Why not think of 2013 as “Everything that happens in our lives the ideal year to start clearing out all affects our emotions and how we your unwanted, outdated emotional ‘feel’,” said Fleur. “I used to deal baggage that’s accumulated over with my emotions and experiences the years?” as many people do - by suppressing them; anything to avoid facing up to Fleur works from her home in something that might hurt. Salcombe and at the Totnes Natural Health Centre. “But emotion affects our energy systems and over time it creates a Call Fleur on 01548 843197 or blockage and gets stuck in the body. 07966545379, or TNHC on 01803 864587, to find out more about “Eventually we are faced with a charges and concessions. choice: do we allow it to release

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A mirror in which to see yourself more clearly Experienced psychotherapist and counsellor for individuals and couples

A collaboration in which your experience is honoured and explored, allowing you to relax into a sense of safety and wholeness beyond any struggles or challenges. Hélène Demetriades MBACP Senior Accredited Dartington, Totnes info@helenedemetriades.co.uk www.helenedemetriades.co.uk

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Issues may include: depression, bereavement, trauma, anxiety, selfesteem, parenting, relationships, illness, purpose and life direction. I also oﬀer supervision to both trainees and experienced therapists.

sensitivity, kindness, and calm, combined with “ Hélène’s her non-judgemental insight have enabled me to make immensely signiﬁcant and positive personal changes. ” THE GENTLE BUT POWERFUL METAMORPHIC TECHNIQUE IS ALSO AVAILABLE.

The reception area at Dartington Space, where Heartwood is based

Useful skills for many professions BASIC training in counselling can play a vital role in many professions outside of counselling. Students at Heartwood Counselling and Psychotherapy in Dartington have just completed the ABC Awards, First Certificate in Counselling Skills course. And for anyone planning to move into the counselling profession, the next step is the First Diploma in Counselling and then on to the Advanced Diploma course. But that is certainly not the only possible route. Course tutor Mark Hartshorn said: “The First Certificate course is also suitable for those who work in any caring environment. “For example, hairdressers and complementary therapists often find themselves listening to their clients’ problems and sometimes don’t know how to respond and struggle to find the right thing to say. “This course can be taken as a stand alone qualification and can provide some valuable life skills which are useful in any area of work.” All Mark’s students successfully completed the First Certificate course, and all of them decided to go on to the First Diploma

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Course because they have enjoyed the training and the personal development work that the course offers. Leigh Smith, Heartwood’s director of studies, is busy preparing for this year’s intake of new students who are attending a full range of counselling courses, from the First Certificate to Level 6 Supervision. Leigh feels that carefully placing students on a course suitable for them is something that sets Heartwood apart as a training organisation. “For us it’s not just about filling places, but about ensuring the right student is on the right course,” she said. “We have recently employed a new placement coordinator to help our students secure exactly the right placement.” Heartwood taster days give wouldbe students the chance to meet the staff and take in the beautiful gardens and benefits of training on the Dartington Estate – “but they fill up fast,” says Leigh, “so it’s best to book early to be sure of a place.” Visit www.heartwoodcounselling. org or call Heartwood administrator Audrey on 01803 865464.

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Read past Wellbeing stories in our back issues...

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BROTHERS!

The new shop - opposite their old premises.

Arcturus Books moves shop AS online book sales continue to play their part in the destruction of high streets across the UK, one Totnes bookshop has decided to buck the trend and move into new premises. Arcturus Books, after 23 years in their old premises, have moved just across the road into a bright and cheerful new shop at 46 Fore Street. Arcturus is recognised as one of the UK leaders for inspirational books on health, spirituality, self-help and the environment. “And we can also order other books for customers on any subject imaginable!” says Douglas Cockbain. “Those on a tight budget will be amazed at our range of bargain books at less than half price.” At their new base, Arcturus will continue to sell a range of greeting cards, crystal jewellery and tumblestones, relaxation CDs,

incense, candles and magazines. The Arcturus staff - Douglas, Jo, Julie, Lorna and Mel - are all very knowledgeable in their subject areas, and love discussing and answering questions. “Internet shopping may be decimating our high streets,” said Douglas, “but the staff at Arcturus believe that given the alternative of boarded-up shopping centres, most customers will be willing to abandon their keyboards to support local independent shops in maintaining a vibrant and buzzing local community. “Nothing can replace the pleasure of browsing real books, chatting with friendly staff and other customers, and perhaps discovering some delightful gem of a book that will truly inspire. Books can change lives – come and enjoy and be inspired!” Visit Arcturus at 46 Fore Street, Totnes, or call 01803 864363.

Three ways to a happy brain

THE INITIATORY JOURNEY 2013 www.cultureofhonouring.com

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media attention aiming A HAPPY brain will help to de-stigmatise mental maintain a healthy body illness has been a step in and in good health the the right direction. spirits are lifted. She said: “The link Many of us suffer between nutrition depression and anxiety and brain function is and these can often be indisputable, and it can the reason behind a be so easy for people to physical illness. take control of helping Jane Hutton chose to call themselves or loved ones. her nutritional medicine Currently, one in four will and therapy practice suffer from mental health Jane Hutton Trinity Holistics because, problems in their lifetime, as the name explains, she with one in 10 suffering at believes there is a balance between any one time. That needs to change!” our physical, mental and emotional Jane is currently producing Happy health. The three are inter-dependent. Brain workshops for the general Jane’s passion for mental health and public with affordable help and advice well being has come into its own to tackle a range of mental health over the last couple of years, as more concerns using the right foods. and more of the issues she saw had Jane’s mission is to make everyone’s depression, anxiety and a range of brain happy and healthy by giving other debilitating and distressing people the knowledge to do it for symptoms of mental health disruption themselves. at the heart of the client’s concerns. Keep an eye on the website www. She has started running Happy trinityholistics.co.uk for information Brain workshops for mental health on the Happy Brain workshops and professionals looking at the links the Happy Brain series of resources, between feeding your brain and or subscribe to be kept informed body properly and brain chemical automatically. imbalances that lead to a variety of mental illnesses. Call Jane on 07841 344934 or email enquiries@trinityholistics.co.uk Jane says that the recent upsurge in

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How one boy found peace IT can be tough living with physical problems at any age, but especially when you’re young and the psychological and emotional effects add to the struggle. Metamorphic Technique practitioner and teacher Hélène Demetriades had just such a case recently. She told Reconnect: “A 10-yearold boy, who was born with a damaged kidney and his bowel and bladder under-developed and fused together, had undergone a number of operations and was having to rely on medication to go to the loo and facing having to learn to selfcatheter. “He fell into a depression and told his mother, ‘I just want to feel safe.’” Hélène started the session with the mother at their home. “I first suggested she put her foot on my lap, so she could experience the touch herself, and she soon felt relaxed and experienced ‘an opening’ around her head.” Half an hour into the session the son returned home with his father and Hélène asked the boy if he would like her to touch his feet in the same way. “He immediately said yes,” continued Hélène, “and I sat next to him on the sofa. As I gave him a session, while he watched TV, he leaned into me and asked to hold his mother’s hand. “The next day I heard that after I had left, and they were sitting down to supper, he had put down his knife and fork and said ‘I feel peaceful’. He then said ‘Mum can you learn what that lady was

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Hélène Demetriades using The Metamorphic Technique. doing?’ So his mother came on my next workshop, and learnt the technique for herself.” The boy has since re-engaged with life and his schooling, and was able to take on the new procedure without any problems. The Metamorphic Technique is a subtle and easy to learn treatment and consists of a light touch on the sides of the feet, hands and head. Hélène’s next workshop is over the weekend of May 11 and 12. To find out more, call 01803 868655, or visit www.helenedemetriades.co.uk.

Practitioner courses in Herbal Medicine Taught by registered practitioners with 40 years experience. The only ‘earth based’ course focused on growing, wild harvesting and making medicines. Accredited by the CMA (Complementary Medicine Assn.). Distance learning with group seminars, tutorials and practical sessions at the herb garden. Pay per module. Learn at your own pace, to take 3-6 years. Weekend courses also available - for dates and times see our website - www.greenlaneherbs.co.uk

Get in touch For practitioner course prospectus please email: prospectus@ greenlaneherbs.co.uk

Studio 3 at Chapel House - available for hire.

Take a journey into new space CHAPEL House Studios is celebrating its hugely successful first year in Totnes with plans to develop the second stage of its business. “Having successfully established the dance side of the business,” said the centre’s Richard Rogers, “we are now promoting hire of the studio space for talks and workshops at the weekend.” There are two big 10m x 8m studios. Studio 1, on the ground floor, can be used as an open space or with seating for up to 80 people. The adjacent Studio 2, which includes a small kitchenette,

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can be used as a green room with tables and chairs to enjoy a lunch or a tea break. Studio 3, on the first floor, is the second large movement space, suitable for yoga, tai chi, Pilates and so on. “We have hosted a diverse range of workshops and talks,” said Richard, including belly dancing, men’s initiation gatherings, yoga intensives and Jamie Catto weekends among many others.” To find out more about hiring Chapel House Studio spaces, call 01803 866461 or visit www. chapelhousestudios .com.

Nutritional Medicine & Therapy - natural ways to treat health and well-being problems including:

Weight Management • Allergies • Mental Health Issues • Digestive Disorders • Hormonal Health • Auto-immune Conditions • Children’s Health • Skin Conditions and much more

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Trinity Holistics offers a wide range of mind body & spirit therapies & classes. Consultations in person, online, or by email/phone: 07841 344934

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From neuroscience - with love

Weekend for women AS well as workshops aligned with the eight Celtic festivals, CraftWyse at Bowden House near Totnes is running women’s weekends, on the theme In your Element. The first of these workshops, Spirit of the Sea, is on the full moon weekend of May 24, 25 and 26 and includes self-enquiry using a sketchbook, design work and Nuno felt making. Organiser Geraldine Finnon says no experience necessary. Call her on 07594 065148 or email ladi. green@yahoo.com.

as well as war between RECENT advancements in neuroscience are nations,” says Philip. bringing a mirror to the “However, the brain nature of our human is the most adaptable heart, says meditation organ in our bodies teacher Philip Jones. and this neuroplasticity Said Philip: “Building allows us to activate on John Bowlby’s our neural anatomy work on attachment, to replace pain neuroscientists are and conflict with joining up the apparent understanding and divide between our acceptance, peace heads and our hearts reconciliation and to explain how our love.” neural pathways create In May and June, the experience of Philip will be joined thoughts in our heads through a weblink by and the feelings of American neurologist love, pain and emotion and psychiatrist Dr in our hearts.” Bobbi Bennett to offer When securely five weekly talks with attached to people slides and experiential we live closely with, opportunities, building dopamine and opioids on their theme of how cascade through our Philip Jones, top, will the understandings synapses and create be joined by Bobbi of neuroscience can feelings of love and Bennett via a weblink. “help us move from warmth in our hearts. judgement and conflict But when disconnected from our to connectedness, peace and love.” loved ones, we are wired to feel Philip and Bobbi say they share the pain of separation or grieve a passion for communicating this their loss as a way to reconnect with other humans and ensure our subject with maximum connection survival. and minimum jargon. “Neuroscientists are now showing Find out more from Philip on 07753 us how the same human wiring 604739 or visit www.howloveworks. creates conflict in the family home info.

Try Nordic Walking at free trial sessions.

Just take one step further WE all know walking is good for us, so why not go one step further and give Nordic walking a try? By using specially designed Nordic walking poles you work all of the major muscles in the body, without putting unnecessary strain on your joints. And, done correctly, it can burn 20-40% more calories than ordinary walking. If you fancy giving it a go, qualified Nordic Walking UK instructor Fiona Swan is offering some free 45-minute taster sessions at various locations: April 15 - 10am at Riverside Valley Park, near Double Locks, Exeter; April 17 - 5.30pm at University of Exeter sports park; April 11 – 12noon at National Trust Killerton, Broadclyst; May 6 - 6.30pm at Killerton; and May 18 – 12noon at Killerton. Visit www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk.

Jeff’s arts on prescription MBBS MNIMH

Natural healthcare for all the family Effective in the treatment of a variety of conditions including: • Anxiety, depression and stress • Digestive problems such as IBS, heartburn and colitis • Menopausal & prostate problems • Blood pressure & circulation issues The Herbal Clinic at Heavitree Osteopathic Clinic 5 North Street, Heavitree, Exeter EX1 2RH

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Phone to see if Herbal Medicine could help you 01647 25 33 22

IF you’ve ever attended a painting, music or drama class, you’ll know that as well as giving creative satisfaction it can also lift your spirits, connect you with other people and generally increase your sense of wellbeing. But while the therapeutic benefit of the arts has long been recognised, it’s only recently that its potential for use in conventional medical practice has been explored. Now, though, the concept of ’arts on prescription’ - whereby family doctors can suggest an arts course for certain patient groups as an alternative to medicines - is rapidly gaining support and has been shown to be highly effective as a form of treatment in a number of pilot studies. Actor and lifecoach Jeff Sleeman, who teaches comedy drama improvisation courses for the Peninsula Medical School, is currently working with fellow actor and presenter Anna Marie Waite and artist Naomi Hart to develop arts and drama workshops for patients of GP practices in Exeter and Plymouth. Says Jeff: “Encouraging people to

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Jeff with fellow actor and presenter Anna Marie Waite and artist Naomi Hart participate in these activities benefits the patients by getting them out, helping them to meet other people and focussing on something other than their medical problems. “Laughter is also a widely recognised aid to healing, stimulating blood flow, increasing endorphins and reducing stress. Arts on Prescription has also been shown to reduce visits to the doctor, cut down on prescription drugs and sometimes avoid hospital admissions, so there is a real benefit to doctors and the health service too.” To find out more, call Jeff on 07977 272174 or email contact@ jeffsleeman.com. Details of Naomi’s work is available at www. naomihart.info.

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Breathing and laughter TWO therapists have joined forces “to introduce the power of breathing and laughter to release stress”. Laughter yoga teacher Sue Haswell, of Creative Laughter, worked with Transformational Breathing practitioner Les Elms, of Breath South West, to run a one-day workshop. Les said: “We designed it using the most powerful elements of both breathing and laughing to release the stressors of the past. “No words were necessary – it was a word-free, disclosure-free environment. We don’t go back into the past, we release stress that is still there, so you can move onwards in your life freely.” Sue said: “Laughter Yoga is all about reconnecting with your inner child, and regaining Les and Sue, centre, with course participants your innate playfulness. It combines this joy with deep yogic breathing, and combining this with Transformational Breathing has added an exceptional depth to the experience.” A second workshop is planned for Saturday June 15. Tickets are £60 for the day – visit www. breathsouthwest.com or www.creativelaughter.co.uk.

Support for home birth TOTNES Home Birth Support Group is open to all parents who are considering a home birth and offers the chance to meet with expectant parents, birth partners, midwives, doulas and other local practitioners. They meet 6-8pm on the first Thursday of the month at The Daisy Play Centre, Pathfields, Totnes. Call 07876 267591 or email HazelTreeDoula@gmail.com.

Get back to full movement MANY of us put up with general aches and pains, particularly in the neck area. But restricted movement can be very debilitating and can lead to related problems such as low back pain, headaches and sleep disturbance. Simple actions like reversing your car, prolonged dental treatment, or a sudden jolt can overstretch the muscles in the neck, shoulders and back. Beryl Roseblade at Restore-me Therapies incorporates advanced techniques into massage to explore soft tissues and muscles, releasing knots which can form in the belly of the muscles, causing pain, not just in that muscle but in other related muscles too. Said Beryl: “A course of treatments may be needed but sometimes relief can be felt with just one.” Visit www.restoremetherapies.com, or call 01803 853605/07753 471618.

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Plymouth Holistic Doctor Practising integrative whole-person medicine More than 25 years clinical experience Comprehensive assessment integrating mind and body

Common problems: Srimati Edgecombe

Workshops from Srimati IF you’re looking to attract the ideal partner, or to develop intuition and practice manifestation, a new series of workshops could be just what you need. Life, business and inspirational coach Srimati Edgecombe is launching a new series of Thrivecraft monthly weekend workshops this Spring, starting with Wealth on April 20/21 and Health on May 11/12. The venue is the Glazebrook Country House Hotel in South Brent - see the Workshops and Courses Diary for more details. The series will continue in June with Happy, when you can learn how to attract your ideal partner, and Wise on July 13/14, when Srimati will look at how to develop intuition, channel wisdom and practice manifestation. The Autumn workshops will focus on Life and Business Coaching themes including finding your life purpose, EFT / NLP, marketing and starting or growing your business. Srimati said: “I’m delighted to have found a format here on my home patch to offer my entire body of work drawn from 30 years’ experience.” Srimati is also now recruiting for 12 Thrivecraft Coach trainees to join the annual workshop programme and become qualified as accredited Thrivecraft Coaches. Visit www.srimati.com/ thrivecraft, or email srimati@srimati.com.

• Stress

• Overweight

• Chronic pain

• Fatigue

• IBS

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Not wishing to take tablets

• Tried everything

Possible solutions:

• Better nutrition - what you eat and how much • Exercise - getting body and mind moving • Education - learning what makes YOU tick, what works for YOU • Using your mind - guided imagery, hypnosis, dealing with the past, creating the future • Environment - understanding the role of your environment in creating illness and what to do about it • Relationships - understanding how interactions with family, spouse, colleagues can harm or heal • Therapies - including acupuncture, healing touch, hypnotherapy

Peverell Clinic, 202 Peverell Park Road, Plymouth, PL3 4QE www.plymouthholisticdoctor.co.uk email: rmcgill@doctors.org.uk tel: 07709 110579.

Train in Massage at Devon Academy

Start your career as a Massage Therapist

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Anatomy, Physiology & Massage ~ Reflexology Sports Massage ~ Aromatherapy Courses starting throughout the year

Devon Academy, Basepoint Business Centre Yeoford Way, Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8LB www.devonacademy.co.uk Tel: 01392 826033 Email: info@devonacademy.co.uk

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

You can still read Wellbeing stories in past Reconnects... Live Love Dream - drop into the threepart programme at any time

Treats and treasures for auction WHILE preparing their bid for funding from the National Lottery, The Totnes Holistic Birth Hub is staging an online eBay auction. From March 29 - April 7 the hub is appealing for people to make a bid on 50 “treats and treasures” on offer including holidays, treatments, original artworks and tickets for events. Donations will also be welcomed. Items in the Treats and Treasures auction include: four days’ accommodation during April for up to 17 at Eden Rise’s beautiful converted barns with sauna and river access; Postnatal Bliss - four doula visits and two craniosacral sessions for the new family; a one-night stay for two in the master bedroom at Dart Villas B&B with complementary wine and Mouni’s famous breakfast, plus many others. For information go to www.birthingwisdom.co.uk or call 07921 516918 or 07985 013085.

Creative Kinesiology Let’s work together to clear emotional baggage and negative thought patterns, and bring you to a place of clarity – where you can open up to endless possibilities and your true potential to SHINE!

FLEUR BRODIE, KFRP

01548 843197 07966 545 379 ﬂeur.kinesiology@gmail.com Member of the Kinesiology Federation www.creativekinesiology.org Half-price offer with the advertisement

Explore workshop one-by-one THE three-part workshop programme Live Love Dream has launched – and its creator Jacqueline Lawes says she loved to see it come to life “after two years of dreaming with it!” The first part in February, Live, was a life review; the second part, Love, looked at relationships in March; and on April 21, Dream is all about visioning, dreaming and setting goals. “With two workshops completed, I have been moved by the amazing development of individual and group creativity,” said Jacqueline. “It was a reminder of the infinite possibilities we each carry - and that given the space and permission, this stream of inspiration can come through.”

Dream is the third in the series of workshops but they all stand independently so it’s possible to drop into the on-going programme at any time – or just to do the one that you feel drawn to. “Dream is all about living our dream in the world,” said Jacqueline. “The day will facilitate knowing more of your dream, giving it shape and form, finding out what’s ready to be born now and how to manifest it. “All this plus grounding yoga, nature walks and yummy afternoon cake!” Find out more at www. livelovedream.co.uk, or call 0800 233 5094.

Nettles take sting out of wintry pains SPRING is in the air (but then so is snow as we go to press!) and after a long Winter you might be looking for a Spring tonic to refresh and restore your body. Exeter medical herbalist Anita Clay says her favourite simple tonic is the stinging nettle, Urtica dioica. “Beneath that rather dull looking leaf lies a store of mineral wealth,” says Anita. “Calcium, iron, magnesium, silica and a host of vitamins will help nourish our blood.” And it’s simple to make, says Anita. “Carefully pick a handful of nettles -

the young leaves are best – and steep them in a cup of warm water for five minutes. Then strain and drink a cup two or three times a day.” Anita says the humble nettle is also an anti-inflammatory - and German research shows people taking nettle tea had less need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen. “If you’re full of the aches and pains of the Winter months, a brew of nettle tea may be just the thing!” she says. Visit www.dranitaclay.co.uk or call 01647 253322.

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How John became a rare African Shaman JOHN Lockley’s journey to become a fully fledged Sangoma - a South African Shaman - is a fascinating story. John is one of the first white men in recent history to become a fully initiated Sangoma in the Xhosa lineage - the tribe that gave us Nelson Mendela and Desmond Tutu. Born in 1971 into a divided Aparteid South Africa with the mark of the Sangoma on his face - a band of white skin around the eyes - he received a prophetic calling in a dream to train as a Xhosa Sangoma while serving in the South African army as a medic during the war with Angola in the 80s. He immediately began to suffer from the thwasa, a period of severe ill-health that is inherent in all ancient shamanic cultures and which can only be cured through apprenticeship to a shamanic teacher. Because of the restrictions of Apartheid (which ended in 1994) it took John seven years to find a Xhosa teacher. Eventually, post-Apartheid, he met Mum Ngwevu, a well-known Xhosa Sangoma medicine woman, in one of the poorest townships in South Africa. She had foreseen his arrival in a dream and began his 10-year apprenticeship, giving him the initiated name Ucingolwendaba,

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Sangoma John with members of the Xhosa tribe meaning messenger or connector between people and cultures. He is unique in being initiated in three timeless traditions: African Shamanism, Yoga and Zen Buddhism, and with an honours degree in clinical psychology. On May 3 John will be in Totnes for five days to talk, bless, answer questions and conduct ceremonials and personal divination sessions. For more information see africanshaman.com or email mark@ markflaherty.co.uk.

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Academy at county show DEVON Academy, the Exeter-based massage college, will be exhibiting and offering sample treatments at the Devon County Show - and all the money raised will go to charity. The academy’s Derek of Devon Academy Gail Lowe said: “If you are interested in a career as a massage therapist, or are a practicing therapist looking for further career development, this is a great opportunity to meet Derek and I and to have a chat to therapists who trained with Devon Academy and who are now running their own business.” Past students who are now qualified therapists will be on hand to give visitors sample treatments, including Indian head massage and hand reflexology. All treatment donations will be going to Balloons, a new charity working with bereaved children. Devon Academy’s stand will be in the FSB Shopping Avenue and the show runs from Thursday May 16 – Saturday May 18. To be sure of a taster treatment at the show, book by email or phone – info@ devonacademy.co.uk or 01392 826033.

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

Do you want to advertise in Wellbeing? ART THERAPY

COUNSELLING

INSIDER ART

Courses in Exeter 2013 ART IN HEALTH: Practical Applications ART IN MENTAL HEALTH: A Foundation Course in Art Therapy Short courses in Sandtray Therapy - Practical Applications; Art, Conflict & Anger Management. Also supervision/mentoring for arts and health practitioners. For information see www.insiderart.org.uk or e-mail info@insiderart.org.uk

OUR classified ads are the most affordable way to reach Reconnect readers. The single and double column advertisements on this page are £55 and £98, respectively. Lineage ads, like those below, are 90p a word, with a minimum of 20 words. Plus a FREE photo!

FOREST SCHOOL

LIFE COACHING

Waycotts Orchard Forest School

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

Just email your ad for the June/July issue to adverts@reconnectonline.co.uk (with a phone number) and we’ll contact you about payment. The deadline is Friday, May 3. COUNSELLING

Waycotts Orchard Forest School welcomes you to experience exciting and inspiring classes for children, families and adults. Encouraging you to learn about the natural world, through playing games, craft activities and exploration. See workshops for dates.

Call Neil on 07974 414323 www.waycotts.org.uk

Speaking Your Truth - Conversation Cafés Ivybridge / Totnes Tuesday 7.00pm - 9.00pm £5/£3 Life Coaching Ivybridge / Totnes from £25 for a half hour session Contact simon@setyourspiritfree.com 01752 698703 www.setyourspiritfree.com

live your life , more true to your nature! MARKETING

LIVE BLOOD ANALYSIS

Changing your life is just a pinprick away...

AFFORDABLE creative counselling: Depressed or Anxious? Reconnect with your life force. First session free, thereafter £15-40. Littlehempston & Newton Abbot. Call Ruth Jenni 07974 0977 877 oakflowercounselling @yahoo.co.uk. DAVID AGASEE BA (Hons) BACP Member, Diploma in Counselling and CBT. Experienced Person-

Centred Counsellor, practising in Crediton and Exeter. Call 07964 714172 or email: dagasee@gmail.com COMMUNITY PROJECT OPPORTUNITY for growers to set up a new group project living in a low impact way on the land, and involving the local community in growing salad leaves, veg and medicinal herbs near Totnes.

MASSAGE

MTI, Dip Couns, BSc (Hons)

Let me show you how images of your blood magnified 1000 times can help you:

Relax in to Your Body… Six 1½ hr sessions for the price of six 1hr sessions

F understand why you are feeling tired F lose weight Live and dried blood microscopy

When you book in April or May – Fridays only

Consultations in Exeter and in your own home. Beverley Bird SAC dip Clinical nutrition.

at Ola Chiropractic, Totnes 01803 849039 / 07999 486059 ailsa.clare.lucas@gmail.com

www.liveblooduk.co.uk www.therawretreat.co.uk MASSAGE

REIKI

WILDERNESS QUEST

WEB SERVICES

WHOLEFOODS

The Wilderness Quest for Vision and Self-healing

To fast alone yet supported in the wilds is a time honoured way to seek vision and to mark changes. We offer experienced support and guidance for those wishing to do this.

Wisdom Quest May 3rd-8th & July 6th-8th Vision Quest May 13th-20th & by arrangement Also primarily for young adults LandTime, sharing inner & outer skills & introducing rites of passage Aug 15th-18th & with a fuller quest for those ready Aug 28th-Sept 6th April 21st-25th the conscious practice of living & dying. 20 years experience in work of this nature. Jeremy Thres & team www.regenco.info “An education in belonging.” Sustainability consultant. Training, Talks, Consultancy: 01647 221444.

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We stock seeds, grains, flakes, beans, lentils dried fruits, oats, nuts, muesli, jams, pickles Organic eggs, herbs & spices and gluten free products Also the popular Natures Aid supplements

You will be pleased with our prices and our quality

Find us in the Newton Abbot Market Food Hall 01626 332539 www.reconnectonline.co.uk

adve

rts@reconnectonline. ...email us food at local health co.uk local people local events local local environment Contact Frances Wright. www.greenlaneherbs. co.uk email: info@ greenlaneherbs.co.uk.

and times. Central Totnes. Biddy Chambers 01803 867411. Nordic walking

SEWING SERVICES SEAMSTRESS - alterations, repairs, commissions and sewing tuition, including sessions on ‘For the Terrified’ and ‘Get to know your sewing machine’. Flexible days

FREE Nordic Walking taster sessions at Haldon Forest and National Trust Killerton. Dates at www. nordicwalkingdevon. co.uk or call 07531 729383 fiona@ nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk

WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOPS& COURSESDIARY APRIL Every Friday QIGONG at St John’s Church Hall, Totnes with Brad Richecoeur, 1011.30am. Suitable for all levels, 01364 644040, www.qigong-southwest. co.uk. WEDNESDAY 10 GREEN woodworking for children, 7-11, Growers Organics, Yealmpton, £35, 9am-3pm, www. growersorganics. From Thurs 18

YOGA

holistic yoga for health, happiness and wellbeing

Yoga, Meditation, Relaxation Classes, workshops Daytimes, evenings and weekends Suitable for all levels of ability Everyone welcome!

Yoga Torbay, Fore Street, St Marychurch, Torquay, TQ1 4PR Contact Virginia 07875217970

www.yogatorbay.com YOGA

Yoga in your home

One-to-One & Two-to-One Sessions Small groups (3-8) All abilities catered for Tailored to your needs REASONABLE RATES

Call Mel Evans 07590 073377

Website www.heartwoodyoga.co.uk

FOREST SCHOOL Sessions. Thurs 3.30-5.30pm 5-11-year-olds. Fridays 10am-12 noon pre-school. Fridays 1pm-3pm Home Ed. Saturdays 10am-12 noon 5-11 year olds. Free trial on first sessions, then discount for block booking per half term. Family discount. £6 per session with parent, £11 without. Call Neil on 07974 414323 www.waycotts. org.uk. Friday 19 NEW LOOK at anatomy, the cutting edge, Blue Dog Seminars. £120 six hours CPD, Exeter, www. bluedogseminars.co.uk, 07731 579288. INTRODUCTION to mindfulness-based counselling skills, 10am-3pm, The Waterloo Wellbeing Centre, 191 Devonport Road, Stoke. Plymouth, 01752 560002, info@ psychotherapyplymouth. co.uk. SAT 20/SUN 21 SAYING Yes to Abundance: Creating Money & Financial Well-Being. Thrivecraft Workshop with Srimati. Glazebrook Country House Hotel, South Brent. £199 (incl lunch). £149 before Apr 12. www.srimati.com/ thrivecraft BASKET making course,

How Love Works Five talks exploring how Neuroscience is shedding light on the nature of our human hearts; with Philip Jones and, via web link, Dr Roberta Bennett

Totnes Methodist Church: 7:30 pm Wed May 22, 29 Jun 5, 12, 19 Totnes Methodist Hall: 2:00 pm Fri May 24, 31 Jun 7, 14, 21 Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre: 7:30 pm Fri May 24, 31 Jun 7, 14, 21 Cost:

by donation. Talks with Q&A last 2 hours. Tel: Philip Jones: 07753 604739

www.howloveworks.info

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Growers Organics, Yealmpton, £96 + £10 materials, 10am-4.30pm, www.growersorganics.com, 01752 881180.

discount. £6 per session with parent, £11 without. Call Neil on 07974 414323 www.waycotts. org.uk. Friday 3 THE Biochemical Maze, Fight or Flight. £95 five hours CPD, Totnes. Blue Dog Seminars. www. bluedogseminars.co.uk, 07731 579288.

Sun 21 to Thurs 25

Fri 3 – Wed 8

THE WILDERNESS QUEST for Vision and Self Healing. The conscious practice of living and dying. With Jeremy Thres and team. Call 01647 221444 www. regenco.info.

WISDOM QUEST. For Vision and Self Healing with Jeremy Thres and team. Call 01647 221444 www.regenco.info.

Monday 22 NEW look at anatomy.. The cutting edge. Blue Dog Seminars. £120 six hours CPD, Totnes. www. bluedogseminars.co.uk. Tel: 07731 579288. Thursday 25 10am-4pm: Green Man/ Goddess Feltmaking, £40 inc. materials and lunch. 7-9.30pm: Women’s Herbs & Womb Wisdom (includes making your own Moon Oil - £15). Workshops near Totnes. Geraldine - 07594 065148, ladi.green@ yahoo.com Sat 27/SUN 28 SATURDAY 10am-1pm: Earth Magic…Wheel of the Year - Beltane (£20); 2-5pm: Deepening our connection with local herbs (£20). SUNDAY 10am4pm: Making Magick! For women, painting silk scarves (£33 inc. materials and lunch), Workshops held near Totnes. Geraldine - 07594 065148, ladi. green@yahoo.com. SAT 27/SUNDAY 28 FELT making course, Growers Organics, Yealmpton, £96, 10am-4.30pm, www. growersorganics.com, 01752 881180. Sunday 28 – Friday 3 THE JOURNEY at Embercombe – Five day residential programme for anyone who wishes to undertake a voyage of personal exploration, 01647 252983. www. embercombe.co.uk. May Every Friday QIGONG at St Johns Church Hall, Totnes with Brad Richecoeur, 10-11.30am. Suitable for all levels. 01364 644040 www.qigong-southwest. co.uk Every Thurs/Fri/Sat FOREST SCHOOL Sessions. Thursdays 3.30 - 5.30pm 5-11 year olds. Fridays 10am-12 noon pre-school. Fridays 1pm-3pm Home Ed. Saturdays 10am-12 noon 5-11 year olds. Free trial on first sessions, discount for block booking per half term. Family

Tues 7 - Mon 13 FIVE animal qigong with Master Zhixing Wang at Seale Hayne, near Newton Abbot, South Devon. 0845 0553666 www. chineseheritage.co.uk . Wednesday 8 THE Truth about Fat and Cholestrol, £95 five hours CPD, Exeter. www. bluedogseminars.co.uk, 07731 579288. Friday 10 FUNDAMENTALS of Healthy Cooking, The International Macrobiotic School, learn how to create delicious and healthy food in one day, £75 including lunch, 01803 762598, info@ macroschool.co.uk. FRI 10/SAT 11/SUN 12 PERSONAL development workshop in Totnes. James Ambrose is bringing his unique three-day workshop to Totnes. Can’t see a way out? Internal dialogue ruling your thoughts? This is a truly inspiring workshop to engage and ground yourself. Know Thyself – May 10; Get Direction – May 11; The World of Change – May 12. For more information, contact info@jamesambrose. co.uk or call 01458 835997/07935 717174. Sat 11/Sun 12 SHIATSU Discovery Weekend. The Devon School of Shiatsu, Buckyette Farm, Totnes, 01803 762593, info@ devonshiatsu.co.uk. SAT 11/SUN 12 DEEP CARE, Relaxation & Embodiment Retreat. Meditation, bodywork & personal health planning. Thrivecraft Retreat with Srimati. Glazebrook Country House Hotel, South Brent. £199 (incl lunch). £149 before 2 May. www.srimati.com/thrivecraft SUN 12 MOSAIC making Course, Growers Organics, Yealmpton, £48 + £10, 10am-4.30pm, www. growersorganics.com, 01752 881180 Mon 13 – Mon 20 THE VISION QUEST. For Vision and Self Healing. With Jeremy Thres and team, 01647 221444 www.regenco.info.

Tuesday 14 LAMA LENA. Workshop - Teachings of the Nature of Mind. From the Tibetan Dzogchen Tradition. First Devon visit. 11am to 4pm. Venue tbc. Call 07929 344977 email peterbrissenden.org.uk. www.lamalenadevon. weebly.com. Wednesday 22 THE Biochemical Maze. Fight or Flight. £95 five hours CPD, Exeter. Blue Dog Seminars. www. bluedogseminars.co.uk. Tel: 07731 579288. HOW Love Works. Five talks exploring how Neuroscience is shedding light on the nature of our human hearts. With Philip Jones. Totnes Methodist Church from 7.30pm. Also May 29, June 5, 12 and 19. www.howloveworks. info. Tel: 07753 604739. Thursday 23 SELF HEALING Through Movement. Lecture: Regenerate Your Body and Your Vision. Lecture by Meir Schneider, Ph.D., L.M.T. Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Newton Abbot 9pm. To register call Val at 01803 866038. Fri 24/Sat 25 GUILDE For Self-Healing. Self-healing through Movement and Natural Vision Improvement. 10am to 5.30pm. Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Newton Abbot. To register call Val at 01803 866038. Friday 24 HOW Love Works. Five talks exploring how Neuroscience is shedding light on the nature of our human hearts. With Philip Jones. Totnes Methodist Hall from 2pm. Also May 31, June 7, 14 and 21. www.howloveworks.info. Tel: 07753 604739. Sat 25/Sun 26 SHIATSU. New professional Five Element Shiatsu three year training. Part one: six weekends over six months. The Devon School of Shiatsu, Buckyette Farm, Totnes. 01803 762593. info@devonshiatsu.co.uk. WEDnesday 29 GREEN woodworking for children aged 7-11, Growers Organics, Yealmpton, £35, 9am-3pm, www. growersorganics.com, 01752 881180 Thurs 30–Jun 4 LIVING With Illness and Loss. Four-day silent retreat of guided meditation, experiential exercises and contemplative art. Gaia House, West Ogwell, Newton Abbot. 01626 333613. www.gaiahouse. co.uk. THURSday 30 GREEN woodworking for children,11-14, Growers Organics, Yealmpton. £35, 9am-3pm, www. growersorganics.com, 01752 881180

Editorial: 01392 346204 editor@reconnectonline.co.uk

You can read past Living on Less columns in our online archive...

Living on less...

I believe in the power of connection

RIGHT, so what subject shall I ramble on about this time? Oh, I know – the meaning of life. Ok, I might not have all the answers. And given that curious souls across the world are dedicating their lives to physical and spiritual journeys of enlightenment, it would be a little odd to find it in the back of a free magazine in South Devon. But while I might be short on answers, I have actually been giving the subject a lot of thought lately and I do have a few theories I’d like to share with you. It might at least be more useful than ‘42’ – with all due respect to Hitchhikers’ Guide fans. So, religion first. Never let it be said I’m afraid to take on the big subjects. Although I’d classify myself as a sort of (always good to hedge your bets round matters of faith) spiritual humanist, I am fascinated by the beliefs of others and these last few weeks seem to have had a distinctly Godish flavour to them In the background was my daily leisure reading – God Collar by comedian Marcus Brigstocke, a book I bought (for my wife at Christmas, ironically) after seeing him at last year’s Ways With Words festival at Dartington. Marcus is an atheist but with a “Godshaped hole” in his life and his book is very funny (in that all too rare laugh out loud way) and quite moving too. Then the media has been bombarding me, as it has anyone else who’ll listen, with a blow-by-blow account of the Papal election and the arrival of the new Archbishop of Canterbury. And finally, a friend invited me to a church service to mark her becoming a preacher, which was exactly as I remember Christian services from my youth, complete with an organist who

SO what lightweight, trivial matters is MARTIN FOSTER going on about this time? Oh, religion and the meaning of life. I’d rather hoped it might be chickens again...

Burning desire... clearly hadn’t grasped the more literal meaning of singing from the same hymn sheet. Ah, the old traditions... It was though simply wonderful to see my friend so moved, excited and delighted to be following her calling. So all this talk of faith and belief and calling has fuelled my current ‘so what’s it all about?’ musings. Call it a mid-life crisis if you like. Probably more constructive than growing a ponytail and buying a Harley Davidson. I guess the nearest I come to truly believing in something is the resilient community ethos that drives this magazine. And the core message of that is encapsulated in its title – Reconnect. And in the title of its predecessor, Connect. On the personal and most obvious level, there are our connections with other people – with partners, with

family, with community. We only have to consider for a moment how quickly things can become truly awful when those connections break down – or how tough life is for those who have never really had those connections. But I would suggest the importance of good connections go way beyond relationships with people. Living on less generally means living more simply, with fewer material trappings, or certainly attaching less importance to them. And that too can result in a greater sense of connectedness. As simple living guru Duane Elgin said in his book Voluntary Simplicity: “In living more simply we encounter life more directly – in a firsthand and immediate manner. We need little when we are directly in touch with life.” This simple but strong link to the simple things in life is most obvious if we consider its primal drivers - and the most dramatic of those is fire. Our need for fire is easily traced back to our inherent need for warmth and food – and it can just as easily be seen in our fascination with it today. Very few people walk into a room and say ‘Mmmm, gas-fired radiators…”. But enter the same room when an open fire or log burner is lit and the reaction is as dramatic as it is consistent. Likewise with men’s fascination with barbecues or cooking over an open fire. And when we used to own a small area of woodland, and had bonfires to burn off cutback brambles, anyone (but mainly men) arriving would be immediately drawn to the flames. We saw men in business suits throw down their jackets and roll up their sleeves to feed the fire.

Kate Harris

2013

Passionate Presence events with

Life Coaching & Self Esteem Specialist Using cognitive behavioural therapy and life coaching to help you release your inner confidence ‘Kate’s compassion and empathy, and her ability to share and support, made a huge difference to my progress and my continued success’ Paula, Devon By phone (including Skype) or in person in a relaxed farmhouse setting near Totnes

It’s a primal connection. It makes us feel more alive. The same can be said of another primal driver – food. There’s no doubt that food straight from the garden tastes better, but who can deny the sheer satisfaction of digging it up, getting soil under the nails; or even just gathering berries from the hedgerows. Again it makes the connection with what’s really important in life. It’s true too of our need for shelter. The use of natural materials or traditional building methods creates a bond between us and the raw natural materials that is every bit as strong as the oakframe’s mortise and tenon. Even our means of transport are enriched by a natural connection. Cruising around in a luxury saloon has a certain appeal but it leaves the occupants cocooned, removed from the sounds and scents of the real world. Just opening the roof lets in life (hence the appeal of the open-top sportscar), and if you abandon the car altogether and instead use your legs to walk or cycle, you connect with the physical work required to get somewhere – and have contact with the environment through which you pass. Suddenly travel isn’t just about the destination – it’s also about the journey. And so I could go on (and if you’re unfortunate enough to get me on the subject in conversation you’ll find I will) – buy less stuff, live more simply, make more connections. Or if you’re not yet ready to live it, at least give it some thought. And if you have read this far, I thank you. And I hope maybe we have made some small connection.

Katheryn Trenshaw

“The Earth delights to feel your bare feet.” - K Gibran

Creative expression-based sessions rooted in expressive arts and movement of being work. Come move, splash about with paint and know your heart’s desire. Mainly last Sundays in 2013 - April 28, May 26, June 30. Series of five or single taster sessions plus one-to-ones by arrangement In Your Own Skin Sourcing continues www.inyourownskin.org

t: 01803 847674 m: 0777 949 6240 www.kateharris-lifecoaching.co.uk

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01803 863552 • info@ktrenshaw.com www.passionatepresence.org www.reconnectonline.co.uk

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ISAs and other tax efficient investments retirement planning Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs)

We have advisers on hand throughout the West country

Mortgages and equity release Protection insurance Inheritance tax planning Tax planning cris Iles-Wright, rupert Lovesy, Andrew Faulkner and Tim Bradford

Trustee investment planning

to arrange a free consultation, call or email Jackie adams:

01722 331 241 • info@barchestergreen.co.uk barchestergreen.co.uk

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BARCHESTER GREEN INVESTMENT

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Barchester Green Investment Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority